TsukuBlog
Gray Heron Stalks a Kingfisher at Tsukuba’s Akatsuka Koen Park – making for a tense wildlife drama!
29 January, 2021
This photo was taken and sent to me by Junko Kaneko – along with this message: I take an early-morning walk everyday and usually do some bird-watching along the way. I especially enjoy the kingfishers! The other day, I went to Akatsuka park, and when I reached the pond, I noticed this gray heron stealthily preparing to snatch the kingfisher perched on the rock. Worried that the kingfisher would get eaten, I quickly moved in closer so I could give warning. Fortunately, it flew away in time. I was very relieved that it got away! Gray herons are graceful in appearance, but they are actually very ferocious birds. I have seen them eating frogs and even decorative carp on several occasions. So I’m very happy that everything turned out ok. I am hoping to see that kingfisher many times again in the future!