I had an interesting experience on Tuesday with a GBH, down at the
Newport Beach Wildlife Area in Orange County, CA. The bird was at the
edge of the water, and reached into the bushes to grab a small mouse or a
shrew. It then plunged the struggling animal into the water for about 30
seconds, and proceeded to swallow the now still animal.
Is it common for GBHs to eat mammals? I've never seen one do it
before. Has anyone ever heard of a GBH drowning an animal?
Incidentally, if you go to the Anaheim area, this Wildlife Refuge
is great. In 45 minutes there I had the best look ever of a SORA (15 min
at 10-15 feet) and a Black-shouldered Kite (20 ft, on a post).

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Robert Cleland