Enjoying a leisurely wade in the waters of the Dutch undergrowth this grey heron decided to go in search of lunch when he came across this unsuspecting black rabbit.
Undeterred by its size, the grey heron, the largest bird of its kind in Europe, swooped down and gobbled the rabbit up in one mouthful, as these pictures show.
Wildlife photographer Ad Sprang, has specialised in bird watching for 10 years, made the trip to Vianen, Holland, last year to get pictures of the bird.
"I was trying to make some nice shots of this grey heron," describes the 56-year-old Dutchman.
After having made several shots a little rabbit suddenly appeared out of a hole in the ground. "The heron was interested in it and slowly approached the little rabbit.
"When the heron was quite close to the rabbit you could feel the tension.
"The head of the bird slowly moved from the left to the right; apparently to estimate the distance."
Obviously hungry, the adult grey heron, who average at 90-100 cm in height, with a 175-195cm wingspan and a weight of 1.2kg, made its move.
"Then all of a sudden in a split second the bird caught the rabbit," said Mr Sprang.
"The rabbit screamed loudly when it was hanging helplessly in the bill of the big heron. I managed to make two photos of this and the bird flew away with the rabbit in its bill. The bird landed in a water-place nearby. I could quickly turn the car and took several photos of the rest of the story.
"The heron tried to kill the rabbit by putting it under water. After about half a minute the rabbit was almost dead but as it moved it was put under water by the heron again.
"When the poor little rabbit had finally died the heron swallowed the rabbit completely. It was not that easy because of the size but finally the heron was successful.
"I have often seen herons catching preys like mice and fish. but catching a rabbit was a surprise."
Working at the bridge for many years on the mostly lazy Snohomish River, herons were a common site. I'd observe their hunting habits as they walked along in the shallow water with their stork like legs. They'd be standing in 10" water and all of a sudden harpoon a small fish and swallow it whole like it was an oyster. Herons always had a distictive squawk when disturbed enough to fly away. Herons know how to keep the belly full, good hunters.
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