The following interesting camera trap photos were sent to me by a friend, Paddy Gardiner. These photos show how a Goliath Heron uses a stick to try and probe out prey suspected to be hiding beneath a partially submerged stump.
Above: The Goliath Heron, spends some time looking at possible prey, beneath, or alongside, the partially submerged stump.
Below: It then leans across and picks up a nearby stick.
Below: The heron lifts the stick up high, then, holding the stick at one end ….
… proceeds to jab around the base of the stump!
The use of the stick to help flush out the fish or crab prey is well illustrated in the above photos.
The use of tools by birds for aquiring food is well documented, especially in the parrot and corvid (crows and ravens) families. This is possibly the first documented evidence of Goliath Heron attempting to flush out prey using a stick. Striated Herons have been recorded using bits of vegetation and even bread crumbs to lure fish to the surface. Paddy Gardiner & Hugh Chittenden
Now people don’t get nervous, long time before it figures out how to fire a gun! 😂💥♥️