Three species, hunters alike ...

Avatar · 17th February 2004

An observation of three species of bird hunting under the same environment where I was shooting in reveals several different techniques involved in acquiring their prey.

Little Heron

While most little herons are known to hunt using their environment as cover. Interestingly, this one featured above was observed foraging openly in the mudflat, quite a rare move for its kind so to say. It is seen in a low crouch, the position it uses to close in on its prey just before the deadly strike.

Little Egret

Little egrets such as the one above are known to employ a technique which involves wriggling one of its long legs in the water to attract the attention of fishes in the stream, a tactic it uses to bring its prey closer. This particular one seems rather skillful in doing this where it got yet another just moments after its previous "tibit".

Common Kingfisher

With eyes that can filter reflection over the water, kingfishers are often seen perching on branches just above the water surface in search of its prey. The Common Kingfisher in the photo above illustrates just that. The calm surface of the water seems to be doing a fair bit in helping it too.

It is really a joy to observe nature in action, and to see that each bird is adapting to its own techniques in its environment is truly something uniquely interesting.

For your comments and kind critiques.

Harlequin · 17th February 2004

Obviously we need to go back there more often , since Garion spotted the famous Black Cap Kingfisher , teasing you guys in the late evening...too bad i've to rush off to the airport, if not definately will jump into the water and swim across to the other side of the river....!

R.I.M on ?

I want to go capture that Long Tail Blue Shrike and Ospreys man !

Here in Jakarta, everyday is a grey sky day !! Sigh!

Garion · 17th February 2004

Nice captures Avatar. No. 2 and No.3 especially, lovely reflections and gives one the tranquil feel. Looking forward to out next jaunt.

Originally Posted by Harlequin

Obviously we need to go back there more often , since Garion spotted the famous Black Cap Kingfisher , teasing you guys in the late evening...too bad i've to rush off to the airport, if not definately will jump into the water and swim across to the other side of the river....!

R.I.M on ?

I want to go capture that Long Tail Blue Shrike and Ospreys man !

Here in Jakarta, everyday is a grey sky day !! Sigh!

That black capped waiting for you man! Who knows it might be perch on that twig now with a big koi in its beak!

espn · 17th February 2004

Avatar: Nice shots, I'm amazed at what else there is to capture then just the subject, I've learned another new thing. Maybe you could have taken back the TC and gotten a closer view of the kingfisher.

My bad

skfoo · 17th February 2004

Nice shots Avatar!

We were fortunate to have them for company while the main subjects went MIA.

Hope to have the wireless remote trigger device soon. We can sit under the shade to drink ice-cold lemonade while watching our companion tanned under the sun.

Avatar · 17th February 2004

Thank you everyone!

Harlequin: *Affirmative on RIM. Roger!*

Garion: I believe we just been activated.

espn: It really depends on how you view it but photo ops are everyone. I tend to observe the habitual relationship around and between these subjects when I am doing a "stalkout", maybe you can try that too?

skfoo: That's it! You are making the Lemonade!

Madcat II · 18th February 2004

look like it is worth your effort to go back in the afternoon... great pics & observations.

Avatar · 19th February 2004

Thanks Jason, I hope to be able to do more studies on a few specific species.

Fred · 19th February 2004

Love #2, well done Avatar!

Avatar · 20th February 2004

Thanks Fred

17th February 2004	#1
Avatar Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Singapore / Taiwan Posts: 1,244	Three species, hunters alike ... An observation of three species of bird hunting under the same environment where I was shooting in reveals several different techniques involved in acquiring their prey. Little Heron While most little herons are known to hunt using their environment as cover. Interestingly, this one featured above was observed foraging openly in the mudflat, quite a rare move for its kind so to say. It is seen in a low crouch, the position it uses to close in on its prey just before the deadly strike. Little Egret Little egrets such as the one above are known to employ a technique which involves wriggling one of its long legs in the water to attract the attention of fishes in the stream, a tactic it uses to bring its prey closer. This particular one seems rather skillful in doing this where it got yet another just moments after its previous "tibit". Common Kingfisher With eyes that can filter reflection over the water, kingfishers are often seen perching on branches just above the water surface in search of its prey. The Common Kingfisher in the photo above illustrates just that. The calm surface of the water seems to be doing a fair bit in helping it too. It is really a joy to observe nature in action, and to see that each bird is adapting to its own techniques in its environment is truly something uniquely interesting. For your comments and kind critiques. Last edited by Avatar; 17th February 2004 at 11:44 AM.

17th February 2004	#2
Harlequin Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: East of Singapore Posts: 1,651	Obviously we need to go back there more often , since Garion spotted the famous Black Cap Kingfisher , teasing you guys in the late evening...too bad i've to rush off to the airport, if not definately will jump into the water and swim across to the other side of the river....! R.I.M on ? I want to go capture that Long Tail Blue Shrike and Ospreys man ! Here in Jakarta, everyday is a grey sky day !! Sigh! __________________ http://www.avianwatchasia.org for some real bird photos My website : http://www.gorgeousfeathers.com

17th February 2004	#4
espn Deregistered Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Planet Nikon Posts: 22,045	Avatar: Nice shots, I'm amazed at what else there is to capture then just the subject, I've learned another new thing. Maybe you could have taken back the TC and gotten a closer view of the kingfisher. My bad

17th February 2004	#5
skfoo Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,187	Nice shots Avatar! We were fortunate to have them for company while the main subjects went MIA. Hope to have the wireless remote trigger device soon. We can sit under the shade to drink ice-cold lemonade while watching our companion tanned under the sun.

17th February 2004	#6
Avatar Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Singapore / Taiwan Posts: 1,244	Thank you everyone! Harlequin: Affirmative on RIM. Roger! Garion: I believe we just been activated. espn: It really depends on how you view it but photo ops are everyone. I tend to observe the habitual relationship around and between these subjects when I am doing a "stalkout", maybe you can try that too? skfoo: That's it! You are making the Lemonade!

18th February 2004	#7
Madcat II Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: this world is not my home Posts: 826	look like it is worth your effort to go back in the afternoon... great pics & observations.

19th February 2004	#8
Avatar Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Singapore / Taiwan Posts: 1,244	Thanks Jason, I hope to be able to do more studies on a few specific species.

19th February 2004	#9
Fred Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,240	Love #2, well done Avatar!

20th February 2004	#10
Avatar Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Singapore / Taiwan Posts: 1,244	Thanks Fred