Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) with Vole 14th July 2015
This Grey Heron spent quite some time hunting along the south bank of the west lagoon and eventually caught this Vole. Having snatched it from the undergrowth it then took it out into the water and appeared to be attempting to drown it several times before finally swallowing it whole. The Heron then made its way slowly along the same bank, in the direction of the bird hide, and after about 20 minutes or so it caught another one right in front of the bird hide where I was positioned.
Grey Heron with Vole 14th July 2015
A few days later I was back in the bird hide when I witnessed very similar behaviour in exactly the same locations.
Grey Heron with Vole 17th July 2015
Having caught and eaten one Vole about half way along the bank, the Heron then made its way up towards the bird hide. On this occasion, however, the Heron was unsuccessful and didn’t catch anything in that location.