As we all know nature can be a hard taskmaster and I had a chance recently to witness one of its trials up close. With spring comes nesting season and new chicks. I was out at the San Diego Wild Animal park shooting the wild birds that utilize the park as their nesting site. While I was shooting I couldn't help to notice a very aggressive American Coot giving all the other aquatic birds alot of grief.







After watching it for awhile chasing everyone away from a particular area of shore, I realized it was actually doing its parental duties and protecting its chick. The chick was well hidden in the vegetation and I couldn't get a shot, but for any of you that haven't seen one, here is what a chick looks like. It is truly something that only a parent could love.



It became quite evident of what kind of danger was lurking when one of the consummate predators at any pond, the Great Egret, came swooping in.



I saw the egret out of the corner of my eye make a darting move into the vegetation and then fly off with something in its beak. I got a few shots off, but missed the focus. I followed the Egret down the shore and finally caught him with the chick in its beak.





The Egret turned it's back to me, but I could see it jerk its head and swallow the chick whole.

Nature can definitely be a hard taskmaster. I could understand why the Coot is often such an aggressive bird.

Hi George,

This is a great series of photographs. Thanks for sharing it. While there is no question that it is a bit sad, I always try to balance it with everyone has to eat. You are right. Nature is a hard taskmaster. Very well done.

James

Great series.

It is interesting to note the different impact of watching predation of say, a fish, versus a chick. I suppose it's the fuzzy factor that makes the case of chick being predated sadder than a fish. Though I bet the fish is no less disquieted by the idea