WALKERS IN Dublin’s Herbert Park at the weekend saw nature at its most beautiful and brutal when a Grey Heron hunted and fed on day-old ducklings on the banks of the Dodder.
Wildlife photographer Paul Hughes was present to witness the scene as the majestic bird swallowed whole two chicks from the brood of a Tufted Duck.
The mother attempted to hide the ducklings among reeds and the birds dived below the water to try to get away from the accomplished fisherman. But once he had spotted them, they were any easy target.
“The heron swooped in and grabbed the chick and there was pandemonium; the mother was going wild and the other ducks were quacking,” the photographer said, “but there was nothing she could do.”
Hughes said onlookers were not impressed; some threw stones and sticks and others let their dogs run at the heron.
“People’s gut reaction was to attack the heron, but it was a natural event. And it was a bit hypocritical, especially the guy who was eating a chicken sandwich,” he added.
