An unguarded nest is a target for Egrets to steal branches, or worse attack the young and take the nest for their own. This attack, a planned and structured method, took place over the course of several hours.

Note: a gallery here includes a large number of images not on this page. Click the gallery to view the full documented attack.

First the Egret intimidates the young and tests to see how much they are able to protect themselves. A series of moves making them look larger, quick strikes to the nest itself, and then moving back to assess everything. It was really amazing how a bird had this so well planned.

Above the Egret makes moves to agitate the young, and make them use energy.

After some time a lightning quick attack to grab or spear a young bird happens.

Here the juveniles act together to fight the attacker.

Click an image below to view the gallery. This is a step by step of the attack and the young birds beating back the Egret.

Tale Of Two Herons, An Attack – Click To Enlarge

Tale Of Two Herons, An Attack – Click To Enlarge

Tale Of Two Herons, An Attack – Click To Enlarge

Tale Of Two Herons, An Attack – Click To Enlarge

Tale Of Two Herons, An Attack – Click To Enlarge

Tale Of Two Herons, An Attack – Click To Enlarge

Tale Of Two Herons, An Attack – Click To Enlarge

Tale Of Two Herons, An Attack – Click To Enlarge

Tale Of Two Herons, An Attack – Click To Enlarge

Tale Of Two Herons, An Attack – Click To Enlarge

Tale Of Two Herons, An Attack – Click To Enlarge

Tale Of Two Herons, An Attack – Click To Enlarge

Tale Of Two Herons, An Attack – Click To Enlarge

Tale Of Two Herons, An Attack – Click To Enlarge

Tale Of Two Herons, An Attack – Click To Enlarge

Tale Of Two Herons, An Attack – Click To Enlarge

Tale Of Two Herons, An Attack – Click To Enlarge

Tale Of Two Herons, An Attack – Click To Enlarge

Several things were clear over the several hours this relentless attack took place. The first thing is if there had been a single chick, not uncommon, the Egret would have killed the chick. Also luck was in the chicks favor here.The attacker stopped when another Egret flew in. This gave the young time to rest, and an adult to come back.

The Egret victory is inevitable if a adult does not return within a reasonable time. Here the chicks were saved (yes, a happy ending here).

Great Egrets are one of the most beautiful birds in nature. I also believe they are among the most brutal.

Great Egrets are very territorial and Great Blue Herons tend to leave their nests unguarded. Not a good combination. Herons do seem to wait until the chicks are a few weeks old. However compared to an adult egret the chicks are very small.

Egrets will steal branches from another nest. They will also take over a nest, even if it is occupied. A large undefended nest is fair game.

When an adult Egret finds a nest occupied they have a very structured method of testing the occupants through intimidation.

The breeding plumage fanned out and a up and down motion, repeated for what me be an hour, will make the Egret look very large and intimidating.

Also over the time they are displaying their size a bird will edge closer to the nest. This allows them to determine how safe it is for them and how dangerous the occupants may be.

At any time this is happening the adults can return. The Egret is aware and will leave if an adult approaches. If not they will continue with the intimidation and move to the nest.

Depending on the situation sticks and branches can be repeatedly stolen. An attack on a nest can also occur also.

One of the first things I have noticed in this heron nest is some ‘on the job training’. Perhaps this is new to one, or both, the adults.

The fish brought here was almost as big as the chicks. The little ones are hungry herons so they gave it a good shot.

From what I could tell the fish was finally eaten by the adult.

This may have been a first lesson in parenthood.