Every night we feed the wild birds in our back yard - 2 blue herons, 3 white egrits, a ton of Ibis and now since the weather is cold more sea gulls then we would like. Sea gulls are loud, dirty and nasty birds but are hungry as well as the rest. Last night we were feeding them and our one blue heron got mad because the sea gulls kept getting close. Normally he chases them away, but last night he stabbed one. The sea gull walked in front of me and layed down. I went over to him to see if he was ok, picked him up and there was all this blood - he died in my arms. I was devastated - I don't even like these birds, but to hold him, have him look up at me and then die was awful. I had nightmares all night. Life can be so cruel sometimes - I'm just sick that I may have attributed to a poor birds death. I'm just sick.. I'm so sorry little guy - may you rest in peace.

I'm sorry you had to go through that but don't beat yourself up for it. Just think of the ones that have survived hard times because of the extra food you provided for them.

It is unfortunate that it happened, but it is as they say, the way of the wild. What can be said is that you showed him a kindness at the end and perhaps he took comfort from it. Try not to beat yourself up about it.

((HUGS)) Not your fault at all Nancy....life is sometimes very cruel.....

Oh Nancy, I am so sorry! That had to be heartbreaking to see, but as said before they are wild birds and that is part of living in the wild. Just think of all the birds you have helped by feeding them, I don't think your feeding them caused it, it just happened.

Thigs like this happen all the time. Look at it this way, if you weren't there, he would have just laid there and died. You WERE there so he died in your warm, caring hand. Hmmmm, which would you rather do?
Ya did a good job kid.

I agree with the others, you did no harm at all. All wild animals are competing with each other, and sometimes an animosity might grow between them in times of need. For example; Lions absolutely hate hyenas because they often steal their kills, and on occasion kill lion cubs. So, in response, lions will often kill hyenas that get too close, just for the sake of killing them. They also won't hesitate to kill one that is already injured either.

So please, understand that those circumstances weren't under your control. You were only offering the extra food, and with the heron being your usual guest, he/she likely felt territorial when the gulls approached you. It's the way these animals think, so they react in terms of what they believe is their chance to survive.

I hope that helps. I know you must feel terrible, but truly there was likely nothing you could've done. Just know that you at least help many others to survive the winter. Take care, and don't be too sad for too long, okay? ~Angela

Awww, Hugs Nancy! It's just the circle of life, don't blame yourself.

Nancy, sorry you had to experience that so up close and personal. But its survival of the fittest and the heron was just showing that he is up higher on the food chain than the seagull. It wasn't your fault, Just think of the ones you are helping to live.

Big Hugs Girl!

Thanks guys - you always make me feel better. The blue heron we call Big Bird, it's a female and has been around for years. She comes when I call her and stands right next to me the minute I come outside. She seemed to be very cranky yesterday with all the birds, I've just never seen something like this so up close and personal. We feed the Ibis and sea gulls bread (along with the turtles and a couple of ducks). Some of the bread had gotten real close to Big Bird and the sea gulls kept swooping in to get it. I know she thought they were trying to get the fish I feed her (smelt is the fish) - the heron and egrits love it. We give that to them when it get's too cold to fish and when the fishing just stinks. So, they have been feasting on smelt for quite a few days now. I know Big Bird definately does not want to share them. Anyways, after I saw what could be done - I made sure there was NO bread anywhere near her to keep it from happening again. I have a hard time when the hawks come and get my doves (I cry then too), but this was just real close and personal to hold a little life and watch it drain away. I can't get that site out of my mind - time will though, I know....

Oh Nancy I'm so sorry hun I can't say anything the others haven't said but I agree completely with them. You have done so much good and you comforted this lil guy in his last minutes. Nothing to feel guilty about at all my dear.

I'm sorry that you had to witness the rougher part of nature. How fortunate you are to have such beautiful birds near you. Would you be able to get a picture? We have blue Herons here, and they love to steal the gold fish out of peoples ponds. I usually go down to the lake to watch them fish. I like them so much that I have metal sculptures of them. The Ibis' that you are talking about, are they the bright pink ones? I was in Florida once, and I loved the bird life.