I missed the adult’s arrival back at the nest but this trio of Tricolored Heron chicks was quick to prompt the parent to produce food.
Like many of the herons the parents regurgitate what they have caught to feed their offspring.
The biting/snapping/pulling of the chicks seems to have some stimulating action on the process. No worries, no images of the actual food here today.
The squawking may just be for show, and always seems to state I Want More!
When the delivery is over the adult quickly gets out of reach. It’s a wonder any of them come out of this with their eyes intact.
St. Augustine Alligator Farm, Florida
April 29, 2021
Great photos! Wow, those are some intense babies! The Mom is smart to put some space between them.
Thanks, Rebecca! Those chicks are all aggressive action to get any share of the food. I think the parents get worn down well before they can feed themselves.
Great actions series, Ellen! It always amazes me how all the big bird chicks are quite aggressive with their parents!
Thanks, Donna! Yes, and each other some times—survival in the wild is tough business.