Hidden in a reed-lined hide for hours, I waited to catch a heron hunting beyond its usual fish diet. Eventually, a moorhen family emerged—mother and chicks inching through the shallows. Without warning, the heron struck, snatching a chick in a swift, silent flash. Shutter clicks shattered the stillness as the frantic mother moorhen lunged too late to save her baby. Although it was heartbreaking to witness, such predator-prey moments are vital for balancing wetland ecosystems, reminding us of nature’s relentless cycle.

Interesting Facts
Grey herons sometimes nest in large colonies called heronries high in treetops, and they won’t hesitate to eat smaller birds if the opportunity arises. Moorhens, with their bright bills and surprisingly long toes, can even adopt stray chicks into their own brood. Both species help keep wetlands healthy by controlling prey populations and vegetation, a little-known but crucial role in preserving these delicate habitats.