Great Blue Heron After The Hunt

I was thrilled to happen upon this Great Blue Heron along the river shore at a Calgary urban park, until I realized what he had! But it's the beauty and the reality of nature & survival. Previously, I'd thought these birds just ate fish. I was shocked and saddened, but I could not tear my eyes (or camera) away. I stayed put watching real life play out, as he quickly swallowed his lunch and then continued to hunt the adorable Common Merganser ducklings, realizing that baby birds and animals only look adorable to humans.