This fascinating video was sent to Latest Sightings by renowned wildlife guide, Rodney Nombekana. He filmed it at an unknown water hole in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
No free lunches
Contrary to the saying, “There are no free lunches”, a variety of species have proven that this is not always the case.
This series of events begins with a goliath heron that has just caught a barbel (catfish) in the shallows of a water hole.
Seemingly at leisure, the heron is in the process of killing its prey. As we watch, it pecks at the fish, preparing to swallow it whole.
Alarming arrival
Suddenly, the heron drops the fish and begins to move away, its head feathers raised in alarm. As it does, we see first a fleeting shadow, followed by the arrival of an African fish eagle.
Strike and counterstrike
No sooner has it landed than the heron goes on the offensive, lunging at the eagle with its sharp beak. No shrinking violet, the eagle responds with threatening gestures of its own.
Leaping into the air with its wings raised, the eagle lashes at the heron with its fearsome talons. Wisely, the heron retreats, although it is not quite ready to surrender.
Stalemate
With neither bird willing to stand down, a stalemate ensues. At this point, it looks like it could go either way.
However, it would seem that the heron decides it has better things to do. Or at least, other fish to fry. With that, it turns and stalks out of view.
Surely, all that remains is for the fish eagle to enjoy its stolen prize… Instead, it stands in the water, as if it had forgotten what brought it to this point.
He who hesitates
As the eagle procrastinates, things take another turn. From the top of the frame, the outstretched legs of a saddlebilled stork come into view.
Moments later, it lands right next to the abandoned catfish. Unsurprisingly, it immediately picks it up and prepares to swallow it whole.
Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
Outnumbered and out of here
Subsequently, its mate arrives on the scene. Now outnumbered, the eagle decides that it too has had enough, and flies off.
Again, we assume incorrectly that this will be the end of the saga of the unswallowed fish.
From the depths
While the stork continues to play with its food, it becomes apparent that others have been watching too. From the depths of the water hole, two crocodiles emerge.
Then, as the stork dips the fish in the water to rinse it before swallowing, one of the crocodiles makes its move. Turning toward the stork, it makes an admittedly feeble attempt to claim the fish for itself.
Unfluttered, the stork simply picks up the fish and casually saunters off, leaving the croc to grin its toothy grin in the shallows.
Interspecies competition
The video provides a wonderful illustration of interspecies competition, proving that no meal is secure until it’s been swallowed. Although there are exceptions to that, too.
As Rodney commented in his account of the incident, “Animals truly are incredible and never cease to amaze and surprise us. When you least expect it, something extraordinary happens. Mother Nature always has something up her sleeve!”