Let's consider for a moment one of the strangest hunters in the bird world. This guy is smart and deadly, so let's hope he doesn't change his diet from fish to people!
Black Heron
Herons are stealthy hunters that normally patrol the shallows of coastal marshes, inching forward to put surprisingly large fish within stabbing range. However, the Black Heron of the central African Wetlands has forgone the stalking in favor of a deadly invitation. In a scene that would rival an Aesop’s Fable, the Heron spreads its wings in a circle that creates a shaded silhouette, perhaps resembling a reed palm over the sun bathed waters. Tetras and other small fish seek out what they think is a cool, safe resting spot, but it will be their last. As the fish settle down, the heron’s bill plunges down from the “canopy” spearing the fish. The Black Heron will set itself up at several different locations throughout the day.
Deadly or not, this bird makes a very pretty looking place to attack from. Pretty slick, don't you think?
Let's have coffee out on the patio this morning. It's gonna get hot later, so let's enjoy the breeze.
