Nature's Drama at Lions Park Pond

© Diane B Reed

© Diane B Reed

It's that time of the year again here on the pond, the season of incredibly cute baby ducks. For the first few days the mother duck watches over them carefully and they stick close to each other and to her. Before long, however, they begin to venture out on their own. They swim around like little doodlebugs, darting here and there in search of food. And every day we watch as their numbers dwindle until there are only a handful to grow into gawky adolescence. Usually we don't see their demise at the hands of hawks, turtles, or the neighborhood cats.  But the other day a remarkable scene unfolded. The Great Blue Heron that frequents the pond flew in and perched on a tree on the island. He surveyed the pond for a few moments, then flew down to the walkway that circles the edge. In a flash he dropped into the water and gulped down an unsuspecting duckling. As he arose, the distressed mother duck flew right at him, quacking frantically.

© Diane B Reed

Alas, it was too late for her duckling, and the heron flew right at her, forcing her to veer off sharply to avoid a collision.

In a few short minutes she was paddling around the pond tending to her remaining brood. Her priority had shifted from defense to nurturing.

© Diane B Reed

Nature had taken its course. The Heron got a meal, and ensured in part that the pond wouldn't be overpopulated with this year's ducklings.