Heron with huge pike

[Ollie]

Originally Posted by RKB

Nah, I think it's easy to overstimate the size of the Heron, and the size of the pike. A Heron's bill is about 12 cm according to BWP, and that pike is about 2.5 times the length of the bill, which makes it about 30 cm, or 12 inches. A heron is only a metre tall at full stretch, max, and the pike is well under half of that, which is another pointer to size.

In this link Montana PikeMasters -- northern pike weight calculator you can get an approx weight of a pike based on the length, but the smallest it goes is 24" (so double our fish). But even a 24" pike only weighs 3.9 lb. Halving that gives about 2 lb, which I swear I never checked before saying 2lb above! Although the weights are exponential, not linear, so it will actually be less than 2 lb if it's really a 12" fish.

Elementary, my dear posters!

Can't argue with that RKB

Thanks for the input and the info on Pike weight relative to size.

Let's just say it was a large Pike Lol.

[david156]

"The one that got away was this big!"

[glsammy]

What a superb series of shots Roger. That first one is a real gem! Got to be worthy of winning something, somewhere!

[n4choman]

firstly well done to you actually having your camera with you as well as 'time and place'.
i just uploaded my pic of heron and fish only to see your pics close by. mm i bow to you. and i agree pike is about 2 - 3lb big meal though.

[Hobjob]

Originally Posted by welshgold

Fantastic shots! Love the one taken coming towards us, that Heron won't have to eat for a week!

Probably won't be flying for a few days either

BTW Ollie - great shots

[Jason Green]

Morning Roger,

What a stunning series of images! I often have the slightly odd thought of wondering at which point the fish dies - is it often still alive when it disappears down the bird's throat?

As I said, very well taken and thanks for sharing.

Take care,

Jason

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by Jason Green

Morning Roger,

What a stunning series of images! I often have the slightly odd thought of wondering at which point the fish dies - is it often still alive when it disappears down the bird's throat?

As I said, very well taken and thanks for sharing.

Take care,

Jason

I think the point of death was the 3rd pic down the pike would have been killed straight out with a beak that size going through its brain, I should imagine..

Did I mention fantastic photos Roger.

[DavyG]

Great series of photos Roger, I really like the first in particular.
Dave

[Gill Catton]

I'm tempted to think that the fish may already have been dead or dying when the heron caught it - a live healthy fish that size could've been quite a fight for a heron (though not impossible)

[Jonners]

Ha ha! I was up at Titchwell at the end of October and witnessed a couple of similar life and death struggles as master catchers displayed their skill at their feeding abilities.
First up a Little Egret goes in with a great splash for "his" next meal:

but doesn't quite come away with a giant Pike


Secondly, the diminutive Sanderling on the beach really did put in some effort, and struggled to get the better of whatever type of monster it dragged out of the sand. Relatively speaking, I would say he too is after the Heron's plaudits