You should always expect the unexpected when visiting the Orlando Wetlands – like watching a little Red-winged Blackbird take on a Great Blue Heron.
The Great Blue Heron has to be near the top of the list of apex predators at the Orlando Wetlands. This omnivore will eat reptiles, mammals and other birds, but apparently it knows when to fly away from an angry little bird.
As I saw on a trip to the wetlands earlier this month, apparently Blue Blue got too close to the nest of Mr. and Mrs. Blackbird. The tenacious little male blackbird had no reservations about chasing away the much, much larger heron. Score one for the little guy!
That’s was an unexpected treat to watch. Here are some more photos of that encounter, plus some others from the wetlands.
