Great Blue Heron Eating Gopher (Ardea herodias)

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Photo by misako

Published on Project Noah

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37.85, -122.3

Field Notes

Description:

I read that Great Blue Heron's feed on small rodents, but it was incredible to actually see it. There are a lot of gophers in the park--I see their burrow holes all over the grass, I believe the species is Botta's pocket gopher (Thomomys bottae). The heron dunked the gopher in the water several times before swallowing it. Amazing!

Habitat:

Aquatic Park, Berkeley, CA.

Notes:

It feeds in shallow water or at the water's edge and spears fish or frogs with its long, sharp bill. Its varied diet can also include insects, snakes, turtles, rodents and small birds. It will also raid goldfish ponds in back yards.
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