Great blue heron (eating a Bull frog)

Description:

When I first walked up to the wetland I spotted an American Bittern (which I posted earlier) fly to the middle of the wetland. Then about 2 seconds later this Great Blue heron flew in from its position which was about 12 meters from the Bittern to about 4 meters. I wasn't sure what was happening at that point so I started taking pictures of the Heron. Then it lunged and it had the bull frog. That is when I realized that the Heron cut off the Bittern from the Bull frog and was able to get it for him or herself. It took several seconds to subdue and eat the Bullfrog.

Habitat:

Spotted in a wetland in Kent, Washington.

Notes:

As large wading birds, great blue herons are capable of feeding in deeper waters, thus are able to harvest from niche areas not open to most other heron species. Typically, the great blue heron feeds in shallow waters, usually less than 50 cm (20 in) deep, or at the water's edge during both the night and the day, but especially around dawn and dusk. The most commonly employed hunting technique of the species is wading slowly with its long legs through shallow water and quickly spearing fish or frogs with its long, sharp bill. Although usually ponderous in movements, the great blue heron is adaptable in its fishing methods. Feeding behaviors variably have consisted of standing in one place, probing, pecking, walking at slow speeds, moving quickly, flying short distances and alighting, hovering over water and picking up prey, diving headfirst into the water, alighting on water feet-first, jumping from perches feet-first, and swimming or floating on the surface of the water. (Wikipedia)