A shocker – for the photographer as well as for probably anyone who sees this image. While it is known, that these Herons are omnivores, eating nestlings, frogs, fish, snakes – basically anything that moves and looks promising – this one hits it out of the ballpark. This young Great Blue Heron 
swallows an immature Snowy Egret . Immature – but in terms of size as big as his parents. And the Heron swallows it in one piece. I saw the same bird doing the same a couple of days later – it happened during the end of the nesting season.
And I thought it was sad when the heron ate my koi! Great capture, but the part of nature that’s hard.
Good morning!
Definitely shocking! Nature is at times horrifying, and yet at the same time, always fascinating. What a shot, Klaus! A well captured moment!
Have a great day!
Lin
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Oh man…that is DEPRESSING! And UNBELIEVABLE that a bird that size could be swallowed whole!! You need to get that image published – people everywhere would find that amazing. You captured a once in a life time shot, there. Wow.
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Wow WHAT a graphic shot, the young egret met with an unfortunate fate.. It is survival for the heron..but
still upsets me a bit.. Great capture though, must have shocked you, good reflexes, LOL—
I never knew they ate this sort of meal. I thought they just ate frogs and fish. Oh my! Nature isn’t for sissies!
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