When the young Great Blue Herons start to look and act like… well Herons, they are relentless.
Adults return with food and they are literally attacked.
There is screaming, fighting, and general mayhem. Both adults and young can be hurt, or worse, during feedings.
This can go on for 2 months. Some young ones learn to fly, go exploring, but return to be fed until the adults just go over the edge and drive them away. I mean really, it is brutal.
The Heron Mom is so patient with her little gang. I didn’t know that everyone can be hurt during feeding. Ted, these are remarkable photos!
As they get larger demand and competition between the young is dangerous.
Amazing shots!
I sometimes wonder why they ever come back. It’s brutal!
I was thinking the same thing!