The moment a heron sneaks up on a tiny gosling and grabs him out of the water for a lunchtime snack by the lake

By Jill Reilly


Predator: The small fuzzy bird was swimming through the water in London's Serpentine lake when the heron moved quickly behind him

They are known for eating lots of small fish, but herons are also partial to small birds as this unlucky gosling found out today.

The small fuzzy bird was swimming through the water in the Serpentine, a lake in London's Hyde Park, when the heron moved quickly behind him.

The yellow gosling didn't stand a chance as he was picked up by the scruff of his neck.

Too late: The gosling didn't stand a chance as he was picked up by the scruff of his neck out of the water in Hyde Park

He clasped the small animal in his orange beak and flew across the pond, securely holding onto the young bird.

He then put him down, ready to eat, on dry land next to a jealous seagull who was eying up his prey.

It is unclear if the gosling's mother was nearby or he had become an easy target become he was separated from the gaggle.

Geese are known for being very protective over their offspring.


Secure: He clasped the small animal in his orange beak and flew across the pond, holding onto the young bird


Survival of the fittest: A seagull looks on as the heron walks along with the gosling in his mouth

Menu: As well as ducklings, herons also eat small mammals like voles, and amphibians

As well as ducklings, herons also eat small mammals like voles, and amphibians.

After harvesting, grey herons can sometimes be seen in fields, looking for rodents.

Herons have two ways of hunting for prey - they can stand with their neck stretched out, looking for food, or hunched down with their neck bent over their chest.


source:dailymail