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View Full Version : Bird with a problem, tough to see

dales
January 7th, 2009, 07:35 PM
Last weekend while at a local Wildlife Refuge, we took several pictures of this bird in distress. We didn't know what to do so we made those responsible for the Refuge aware of it by e-mailing them a picture of the bird. Their response was very understandable in that they had no way of locating this distressed bird in that this refuge is huge. My wife & I were concerned but had no way of helping w/the problem. Sometimes when we are out doing what we enjoy so much, that of taking pictures, we may come across disturbing scenes. I wanted to share this with you in this forum.

http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1hxzFmWa9hWfUb42tSoSqsiKLJhf_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1hxzFmWa9hWfUb42tSoSqsiKLJhf)
JulieM
January 7th, 2009, 08:00 PM
It's tough when see you an animal in distress and can't help. It was good of you to notify the preserve's management. What is in the bird's mouth?
Chuck S.
January 7th, 2009, 08:17 PM
That's an American Bittern, a cousin of the Great Egret and Great Blue Heron. If that's a frog, he probably got it down as his neck is very flexible. However, I'm sure it's possible that they can over-reach; that would be a Darwinian moment....
MOOSE
January 7th, 2009, 11:04 PM
My old ornithology professor Dr. Warner used to say not to feel too sad when you see the neighbor's cat going down the street with a pair of legs dangling out of its mouth, otherwise, "we would be neck-deep in robins." Perhaps still sad, but true; it is the way of all things.
Al
dales
January 7th, 2009, 11:07 PM
Julie, we could never figure out what was in it's mouth. I took approx 6 pics., this one gave the best detail the others he/she had moved closer to the bushes.

Chuck, thanks for the input. We were going to p.u. a bird book but now we don't have to. This refuge does have many Blue Heron.

Well put Al
Chuck S.
January 7th, 2009, 11:37 PM
Chuck, thanks for the input. We were going to p.u. a bird book but now we don't have to. This refuge does have many Blue Heron.



I always encourage folks to get a bird identification guide! :) One of the best out there right now for beginners and advanced alike is by Kenn Kaufman, "Field Guide to Birds of North America."