The cattle egret, belonging to the heron family, likes to feed around large animals such as a carabao (water buffalo) or cow. It is three times more effective when foraging with cattle than when foraging alone.
The buffalo doesn’t seem to mind them, and oftentimes the herons are perched on it.
It is believed that the larger animal benefits as well by being given a “cleaning service” from ticks and other parasitic animals.
I scratch your back, and you scratch mine. Nature can teach us a thing or two about symbiotic relationships.
Nature always teaches me. She is my main Teacher in fact! Very cool post!
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Thanks, Amy Rose! Yes, nature does inspire, even with simple scenes. Have a great day!
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You too!
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Oh, happy memories of my short time in rural India. This was a sight I loved to see.
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Must have been lovely memories, Margaret.
Hope you’re doing well in your neck of the woods! 🙂
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Of course we’re not! Brexit ……
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Yes, it’s all over the headlines…. all eyes on Westminster… hope things get sorted out. 🤔
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Yes, nature embodies so many symbiotic relationships.
We are slow learners!
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You are absolutely correct!
And to think we are supposed to be the smartest species!
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Makes you wonder, doesn’t it!
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Int the winter I take my horse to Florida to escape the Canadian winter. They have these birds there too and they hang out with horses when they are turned out in the grass paddocks. The horses always seem to get on well with them.
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That’s great to know, Anne!
I guess they’ve learned to get along with horses too!
Such a beautiful sight, I can imagine!
Thanks for sharing. 😊
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