Monday, January 24, 2011

The Egret and the Vole

I wish these shots were sharper but no time to check camera settings much less set up a tripod.  Enlarge these for a better look, unless you're squeamish.  If you are you might like to avoid this post entirely,
In our area, voles are an important part of an egrets diet.  We spotted this guy out in the meadow while on our usual walk.  His whole body was quivering, much like a cat when it is after some prey.
 Suddenly he lunged.
 He didn't come up empty beaked!
 "Let's see if I can get this thing lined up for a straight shot"
 "Gulp, my mother told me never to chew my food"
"Look at me, aren't I the greatest?"

Linked to That's My World, Tuesday, hosted by Klaus, Sandy, Wren and Sylvia
and
World Bird Wednesday, hosted by Springman at Pine River Review

38 comments:

Sylvia K said...

Such a beautiful bird! And your photos are superb, Martha! Love your bird talk as well! They fit the pictures perfectly! Great smile to start my day! Hope your week is off to a good start!

Sylvia

Katney said...

I love the last one.

Linda Reeder said...

Great photos! One wonders if that vole "wiggled and jiggled and tickled inside her".

Halcyon said...

Really nice shots! How wonderful that you caught this scene.

Halcyon said...

Really nice shots! How wonderful that you caught this scene.

Paulie said...

You were in the right place at the right time!

Carol said...

Nice series of shots, Martha. I've seen alot of egrets, but haven't witnesses this. That's what happens in nature...the food chain. Lucky you to get these photos.

Unknown said...

Good series, Martha. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

Randi said...

Great collection of shots, Martha! I love the last one...

My entry is here

Phil Slade said...

A well documented record Martha. Because we usually see egrets in the water we assume they take amphibious creatures, but as you point out they have a varied diet that includes mammals.

EG CameraGirl said...

Egrets, in my experience, are hard to photograph. They can move very fast!

Esther Garvi said...

What a grand egret he is! Love the last shot!!

Marja said...

Great shots of this beautiful bird

Gaelyn said...

Wow, that sure was a fortunate sighting. Very cool to get the series.

Photo Cache said...

they are so wonderful to watch.

NatureFootstep said...

I love this. And .... this is how bird photography are. No time for adjustments. Have a great week.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for slowing me down, providing rest and ability to see the good and beautiful.

Please have a good Tuesday you all.

daily athens

Kay L. Davies said...

And isn't he just too proud of himself? Wonderful shots, Martha!
-- K

Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel

Diane AZ said...

What a neat observation. I've never seen an egret hunting in a field. Love the regal pose and caption at the end!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

I have been waiting for this Martha! A great photo-essay, I enlarged every picture and enjoyed watching the meal progress (far from being squeamish). Good pictures and you have a great eye to have spotted this event.

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

Great series of pics. Hey the egret has to eat and the vole can't live forever.

theconstantwalker said...

Lovely nature in action captures. Thanks for sharing

Modesto Viegas said...

Good sequence!!

holdingmoments said...

Great captures.
Always good to see nature in the raw like that.

Ebie said...

He seems like a very satisfied egret. The lunge shot is pretty!

mick said...

A great series and very nice that you were quick enough to capture it all.

Springman said...

Fantastic series! How interesting to watch this beautiful creature make its living.

Sondra said...

Nature is amazing---now Vole becomes Egret--wonderful series well DONE!!

Barb said...

Hi Martha - A photo essay of the Food Chain! I saw a fox catch a vole in much the same way. Great sequence.

Gemma Wiseman said...

O wow! Intriguing series! Love the proud stance of the bird in the last photo!

Sally in WA said...

Great sequence! I didn't know they ate voles.

Neil said...

Great series of photos

Anonymous said...

Wonderful series of photos -the egret in action!

Hilke Breder said...

Nice sequence!

Empty Nester said...

I love egrets! I watched one with a fish last week and two others were hanging very close to him...he finally swallowed it whole and his neck was HUGE! Love you photos!

Tammie Lee said...

it is amazing to watch nature in action. I saw this once, even the lump in the throat as the meal slowly went down. lovely day to you.

Kim, USA said...

Oh this is beautiful.
Watery Wednesday

Kathie Brown said...

I had no idea egrets ate voles!