This may be a common occurrence, but I have never witnessed one. This took place at the San Bernard NWR near the upper Texas coast. The GBH attacked and killed the Grebe in about 48 seconds. The swallowing process took a little over ten minutes. I have photos of the process and thought of posting a few from the series. There may be some viewers that wouldn't care for such although it's just nature in action. Moderators, what do you suggest??
Canon 40D, ISO 400, Evaluative Metering, EC +1, f/5.6 @ 1/1600 sec, 500 F4 + 1.4 TC, BLUBB, Heavy crop - subject 100 yards from vehicle.
Dramatic behaviour captured, David. I wouldn't think there is a problem with posting a series - it is after all natural as you say - you may feel more comfortable with a title, as here, that indicates the content so people can avoid it if they wish to.
I actually hope you do post some from the swallowing process. Nature is what it is, not always pretty...but always incredible and IMO meant to be shown just as much as any other "pretty" scene. You can always mark the title with a "graphic content" warning.
Good presence of mind to keep a nice low angle...must have been quite a sight!!
I have seen GBH feed on mice in fields and also seen them trying to swallow a small turtle. I have never seen them be aggressive toward a larger bird such as this. Remarkable to have witnessed this.
Yes I would like to see a sequence.
Grebe Falls Prey
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