Pain in the Neck
by AnnaJo Vahle
Title
Pain in the Neck
Artist
AnnaJo Vahle
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
Have you ever had a day when someone is really a pain in the neck?
This seemed to be just such a day. A large flock of herons, egrets, roseate spoonbills and other types of birds were gathered together. They were hanging in and around a small lake. This lake is on Black Point Drive in the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge.
I sat down on the bank. The air seemed to be full of energy. The birds were in their fine mating colors and feathers.
The energy ebbed and flowed. Sometimes everything quiet and peaceful. But then someone would get an attitude. A great white egret stretched out his long neck and stuck his pointed beak straight into the air. He made grunting noises at the same time. Other egrets might do the same. They strutted back and forth making what seemed like threats. Then suddenly one or two might attack another.
I was fortunate to catch this pair going seriously at each other. The aggressor actually wrapped his beak around his victim's neck as they flew fairly high into the air. This scene shows the moment when the aggressor flew above the other egret. As you can see, he is using his beak like a sword. The near victim was able to barely dodge the diving bird. They tussled just for a few moments.
Just as quickly as it all began, they stopped their fight. Most of the other birds just went on with whatever they were doing. Some were just watching. Some were fishing. Some were having their own spats. It was all quite fascinating.
Breeding takes place in Central Florida usually during the winter. The male performs an interesting display to attract a female; this includes stretching the neck, clacking the bill, and erecting the magnificent plumes that develop during the breeding season. The great egret may either nest alone or in colonies.
Uploaded
January 23rd, 2015
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Viewed 1,205 Times - Last Visitor from Ottawa, ON - Canada on 03/28/2024 at 5:06 AM
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Comments (36)
Lori Kingston
I understand your concern about the violence between the birds, but it is a part of life, and you've captured the moments beautifully, in terrific action shots. I'm glad you decided to share them here! L/F
Elizabeth Winter
LOL! Love the capture! This is an amazing flock of herons and egrets. I have never seen so many! Awesome capture! f/v
Jacqueline Athmann
Surprise & Congratulations!! Your photo has been featured on the Soaring High - Birds In Flight group homepage! Thank you for sharing your beautiful work with us!
Belinda Low
Wow What a title! You have really captured the essence here in the nick of time! Beautiful work! F/V
Alec Drake
Congratulations AnnaJo on your feature in "Life is What Happens"...we are pleased to promote and share this example of art as it happens or art that is inspired by daily life. We appreciate your membership in the group and the contribution you make in our lives too. fav
Jimmie Bartlett
Outstanding photography AnnaJo! Such a unique moment in time capturing the action of the herons. F,L