Yikes!

The Great Blue Herons have been hunting in the yard the last month or so.  I don't remember them doing this before.  Perhaps Hudson kept them away.

They usually hop up from the river onto the seawall, then slowly work their way up and across each level.  If they make it up near the porch without my knowing, we give each other quite a fright.

Yesterday afternoon I spotted one as he started working his way up the yard.  He eventually wandered up near the porch, where I could only see his head and long neck.  

He stopped and took the unmistakable pose of a bird about to strike.  I wondered what sort of creature he might find to eat - toad? snake?

Nope.  He shot his bill forward and came up with a chipmunk!  

Poor little fellow.  His end was quick and we have plenty to spare.