A Heron's Diet...

[sandyRoe]

I know they eat fish and amphibians but think I heard on the radio yesterday that they're also partial to Moles. My question is, How do they catch them?

[Mamyalynne]

What they eat
Lots of fish, but also small birds such as ducklings, small mammals like voles, and amphibians. After harvesting, grey herons can sometimes be seen in fields, looking for rodents.


I have seen the ones here take ducklings straight out of the water.

[Buenchico]

Most birds of prey have far more detailed vision than humans. A flying heron will be looking for any signs of motion that could indicate a free meal, such as the moment that a molehill starts to appear and the mole is foolish enough to expose itself to predators. Then it's lunchtime for the heron!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/izzys-photos/7143270773/in/photostream/

[Mamyalynne]

.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJZ00MV6YFU

[Mamyalynne]

I seem to have wandered off your main point, sorry Sandy. :-)

[jno]

I think you may have got it right if sandyRoe misheard a bit, mamyalynne

[sandyRoe]

Voles? Need to get the wax out of my ears. :-) I did wonder how they'd get down underground after them.

[Buenchico]

I'm feeling ignored, Sandy!

Not only does my post suggest the most likely way that herons find moles (NOT voles!) it also provides a picture to prove that they catch them!

Still not convinced . . .?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xm9Ml8CQ75Y

[sandyRoe]

Your post comes as a great relief to me, Buenchico. For a while I was starting to think that I couldn't believe my ears. I see now that I can. Thank you. :-)

[heathfield]

Moles breeding season is March to May. Around a month after being born, young moles will leave the breeding area. More often that not, they'll travel on the surface. This makes them very vulnerable to, e.g. those herons.