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Grey Heron’s hunting pose

on 9th January 2018

The image below of a Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) photographed by Bhupendra Makwana shows it’s unique hunting pose that can be interpreted as follows:

HeronGr [Bhupendra Makwana]

The heron is standing upright allowing it to have a clear view of any approaching prey in the water. The raised wings may well be shading the sun’s glare on the water surface to provide better visibility. The right foot, gently stirring the water, can be interpreted as encouraging any hiding prey to dart out from the hiding place in the shallow water.

Once the prey approaches near enough, a quick swing of the long neck downwards will have the sharp bill spearing its meal.

A single image needs a little imagination to interpret the situation. A series of images will reveal more of the heron’s action. A video recording on the other hand will show much, much more of what will happens.

Bhupendra Makwana
India
25th December 2017

This post is a cooperative effort between Birds, Insects N Creatures Of Asia and BESG to bring the study of birds and their behavior through photography and videography to a wider audience.

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

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