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Heron with Greater Siren #1

© Kay E. Mahoney

Heron with Greater Siren #1

Uploaded: March 16, 2009

Description

I was walking near the water when I looked over and saw this big heron reach down and come up with this Greater Siren. Taken at Seminole Park. Going to put a series on of it. Took him some time to get it down but he did. To read more about the siren see the response page.

Comments

Kay E. Mahoney level-classic March 16, 2009

Some information about the greater siren. The sirens are generally regarded as the most primitive living salamanders. The ecology and natural history of sirens is poorly known. All sirens share a conspicuous basic characteristic: the absence of rear limbs. Another notable characteristic is the presence of external gills throughout life. Sirens are completely aquatic, rarely emerging from water unless absolutely necessary. The absence of hindlimbs and the relatively weak forelimbs make overland travel virtually impossible. But if, for instance, a body of water dries up, sirens are forced to deal with a terrestrial existence. Their solution? Wait for a better day. Sirens can secrete a cocoon, of sorts, in which they can aestivate, for more than a year, until the pond refills with water.

Reproduction usually occurs in the spring, and it is estimated that maturity is achieved in two to three years. Sirens are fairly nondescript, having a general drab appearance, olive to black in color with or without other markings. They have conspicuous external gills and four toes on each of the forelimbs. The designation "lesser" comes from the fact that most Siren intermedia are less than 2 feet long (total length), in contrast to the "greater" sirens, which are known to exceed 3 feet in length. For discriminating between the two species, authorities suggest counting costal grooves (external grooves along the sides of the animal in between forelimbs and the vent, which correspond roughly to the number of ribs. The greater siren usually has more than 36, whereas the lesser siren has less than 35 grooves. Sirens, like amphiumas, are effective predators of most aquatic animals.

#1099304

Jeff Robinson level-deluxe March 16, 2009

Excellent capture (both you and the GBH)!! Thanks for the additional info Kay! Jeff #7292594

Tammy M. Anderson level-deluxe March 16, 2009

WOW!!! Kay what a fantastic image. Super clarity and timing. Very interesting info too. #7292686

David Phalen March 16, 2009

Great find and capture!! Love the light, colors and details!! #7292697

Jack Gaskin March 16, 2009

Nice Capture
Thanks for the siren info might explain what a Hawk was eating in a series of shots I have.

Happy Shooting
Jack
#7292891

Tamara K. Walker level-classic March 16, 2009

A fantastic capture. #7292981

Eva Pastor March 16, 2009

Terrific photo, Kay! And what an education you've offered to boot. I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of the series. #7293063

Ron McEwan March 16, 2009

Superb wild life capture Kay, excellent work here. #7293163

Gina Cormier March 16, 2009

Fabulous wild life image!! #7293177

Kay E. Mahoney level-classic March 16, 2009

Thank you everyoe for your comments. It was so neat seeing him eat this thing. #7293339

Barbara Waldoch March 16, 2009

Wow, great catch, Kay and heron! #7293923

Gord MacEachern March 17, 2009

Thanks for the description Kay.
Now I know what a siren is.
Great image and great decription. #7296078

Patricia Seidler March 17, 2009

Wow, it looks like the Heron's eyes are bigger than its stomach! Timing is everything. Great capture Kay. #7296404

Kay E. Mahoney level-classic March 18, 2009

Thank you Barbara, Gord and Patricia for your comments. #7299981

Ellen Hodges March 19, 2009

You capture this heron with great clarity and detail with all that action going on, Kay! Fantastic!! #7303276

Kay E. Mahoney level-classic March 19, 2009

Thank you Ellen for your comment. #7304702

Tammy Espino March 21, 2009

I never knew that about sirens! Actually, I never knew they existed!! What an aswesome capture and series!!! Would love to see some of these guys! #7312263

Laura E. Swan level-classic March 21, 2009

Facinating series and read, Kay! To further the interesting Story of the Sirens, did you know that Mermaids are supposed to be Sirens, too? Read the Starbucks story on Google sometime. That's where I first heard the word. Now you have made it a reality for me. I thought it was all fictitious! Neat!

-Laura Swan #7312992

A P March 21, 2009

I don't think I've even seen or known about these things. Like an eel of some sort. That's for the wonderful series and info, Kay #7313078

Kaye Burazin March 21, 2009

Very interesting Kay. Well taken and described. Love the series. #7313099

Marta J. Baldwin March 22, 2009

Very nice capture and very cool desciption. Great shot Kay! I Hope all is well with you. Marta #7316341

Kay E. Mahoney level-classic March 23, 2009

Thank you Marta. Hope things are going well for you also. #7317554

Eivor Kuchta March 23, 2009

That's a big bite for the heron! Great timing, Kay! #7318154

Sue Stendahl March 23, 2009

WOW, love your heron shots. I LOVE shooting birds like that and have gotten some cool shots but yours are outrageous. I've never seen/heard of a greater siren. Herons are SO cool to watch. I've taken pics of them on the Oregon coast. You did a fabulous job. #7320048

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