As it Happened: Ringside Seat

Posted in "Western Treatment Plant", Western Treatment Plant, White-faced HeronTagged ,

Wrestling, I have to admit has never been “my” sport. Too much huffing, puffing and sweaty armpits for me.

So you can imagine my surprise when I came across two White-faced Herons in the middle of a ding-dong battle.

A lot of name calling began, as they sized one-another up on the roadside. The bird, that I think, throught it owned the territory arrived with neck outstretched and loud calls to intimidate the pretender.

From there it escalated quite rapidly.

Let Battle Begin
Gracefuness is not an essential sparring technique
It might seem like chest bumping, but its designed to get the advantage
No quarter is given
It’s bar-room brawl scruff of the neck time
In the end, the challenger made one move too many with enthusiasm and less skill
And the old hand was ready to press home the advantage
That beak is good for more than just catching fish
Released, the pretender admitted defeat and flew off. Seemingly none the worse for wear, but perhaps a little wiser.
The local champion flew up and down the pond with neck outstrectched and very vocal. Now everyone knows whose pond it is.

10 thoughts on “As it Happened: Ringside Seat”

    1. Hi Eleanor, it was a bit funny, the bird obviously had a territory to defend, although I didn’t see any evidence of a nesting area, and they usually nest in trees, of which the WTP is pretty much bereft

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  3. Great captures David ! It is the first time I have seen a territorial fight among Herons. One appeared to have considerable breeding plumage, so that may have been part of the issue, keeping their nesting zone or future nesting zone safe.

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    1. Hello Ashley, hard to say what was going on, as there is really no nesting sites in that area. Mostly I see them nesting in trees. I’ve never noticed them nest among the reeds. Still, just cause I don’t see it…

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  4. You’ve witnessed quite a brawl, David and I am surprised (again!) by a behaviour of birds I’ve thought I know very well. Great documentary and the usual quality of your photos.

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    1. Hi Adam, it is a bit unusual as we see them going about quite calming working through the grass or water.
      They can however turn on a great speed and agility in flight so its not suprising that it gets so agressive.

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  6. What can I say except: wow! What an amazing sequence. The Intruder looked like he was literally dead in the water, so I’m glad he escaped unharmed (though his pride might have somewhat dented!). Beautifully presented thanks David…!

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