Lunch time!

[jeffashman]

I came across this Yellow Crown Night Heron with it's lunch. The mudbugs just don't stand a chance.
YellowCrownedNightHeron2021051701 by Jeff Ashman, on Flickr
Blew this up a bit to get a better view of the poor little mudbug.
YellowCrownedNightHeron2021051702 by Jeff Ashman, on Flickr
YellowCrownedNightHeron2021051703 by Jeff Ashman, on Flickr
YellowCrownedNightHeron2021051704 by Jeff Ashman, on Flickr

 

[Photo Lady]

great Set!!

 

[jeffashman]

great Set!!

Thank you!

 

[Space Face]

That's a weird looking fella that. Fine captures.

 

[PJM]

Don't you all eat those things too down there? Nice captures.

 

[jeffashman]

That's a weird looking fella that. Fine captures.

Thank you! They are pretty smart birds. They will stand next to a crayfish hole, making sure their shadow is not cast across the hole, and then wait for the little mudbug to appear. With all the rain we've been having, they are having quite a feast, since the mudbugs can drown if they remain too long in their flooded burrows.

Don't you all eat those things too down there? Nice captures.

Many people do. Crawfish boils are a big thing down here, cooking them with potatoes and corn on the cob. Personally, I don't eat them, or any shellfish. Thanks!

 

[weepete]

That's a cool heron, don't think I've seen that species before!

 

[Dean_Gretsch]

Wish we had those here. Huge eyes!

 

[jeffashman]

That's a cool heron, don't think I've seen that species before!

Thanks! They are one of the few approachable birds that won't just take off and leave.

Wish we had those here. Huge eyes!

They are mostly nocturnal hunters, but this one has been active during the day.