Late yesterday afternoon, as I strolled quietly into our vegie garden I was startled by a Great-billed Heron call from very nearby. I scanned all the trees within my vision but couldn’t see any tall, shadowy Heron shapes so I went inside for binos and camera……now properly prepared I set off to try and locate the elusive bird. Looking, looking as I walked, changing direction as I heard a couple more calls. The calls were shorter and harsher than usual but what I didn’t associate with them, until I finally set my eyes on the Heron, were the strident calls from a small group of Drongos intent on chasing this large bird out of their territory.
I only had a moment to grab a couple of quick shots before the Drongos succeeded in reclaiming the island for themselves and the poor Heron escaped from its tormentors by flying across to another tree overlooking the next pond. Although I could see it with the binos it certainly wasn’t providing any further photo opportunities.
I’ve included this more distant view just to include two Drongos to the right of the photo.
Allen
Barbara
Haha bloody drongos. They are truly violently territorial. I have had a few similar experiences to this. Do you think they target rare and uncommon species? 🙂
Yes they probably do Sebastian – just to frustrate us!
Hi Barbara
Most unusual. You can see the bird is quite agitated.
The Drongos are so much smaller than the Heron, but I can imaging how they must harass other creatures.
Nice posting.
Cheers
Denis
Thanks Denis
I’ve never seen a GBH so agitated – although they are very wary birds, and will fly if they so much as catch a glimpse of us through the trees, they always seem ‘in control’ but not in this case.
Drongos are such thugs! If they weren’t so agile (and slightly barmy), I bet they wouldn’t be so keen to take on other birds.
Good comment Bronwen – I usually enjoy the agile flight and crazy behaviour of the Drongos but on this occasion I was wishing they would leave the Heron alone.