Duck, grouse! Unsuspecting birds are grabbed by vicious jackal in South Africa
Astonishing photos show the moment a deadly jackal catches its breakfast after hunting a group of unsuspecting birds drinking at a waterhole.
Taken by photographer Elize Labuschagne-Hull, the photos show the jackal making its way to a group of nearby sand grouse before it pounces on them
A scrummage by the waterhole is seen as flustered birds fly for their lives after realising danger is near
Each morning the jackal reaches the waterhole at around dawn and waits for his feed before the heat of the day’s sun becomes too much to bare
The photos show the jackal slowly creeping into the midst of the flock, waiting for them to peck down to the water level for a drink before pouncing on on the sand grouse and securing one in its jaws.
Astonishing photos show the moment a deadly jackal catches its pray after hunting a group of unsuspecting birds
A tasty snack! The jackal chows down on an unsuspecting sandgrouse snapped up near the waterline while it was distracted
‘The jackal took a siesta over lunchtime like any self-respecting jackal would, his tummy full from the flocks of Burchells sandgrouse, Namaqua sandgrouse and doves that frequent his pond.
Doves are usually the first to grace the watering hole in the morning as the jackal begins his morning routine at dawn – however the dainty creatures are fast and less often fall victim to the jackals
The jackal feasts on Burchells sandgrouse, Namaqua sandgrouse that surround the pond
‘The trick is for him to surprise them when their heads are down at the water level.
The Jackal was caught stalking the group of sand grouse in Kgalagadi transfrontier park in South Africa before grabbing on in its jaws
Clasped in the jackal’s mouth the bird struggles to get free but looks to have a quick demise
Doves are usually the first to grace the watering hole in the morning as the jackal begins his morning routine at dawn – however the dainty creatures are fast and less often fall victim to the jackals.
Feathered friends! The birds fly out of his way as soon as they are alerted of the danger, but for some its too late
Hundreds of birds were seen by photographer Elize Labuschagne-Hull to swoop down for some water, with the jackal making the most of the opportunity