Incredible moment: Hyena attacks flamingo flock

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-06-10 11:09

The hyena chases his victim, a poor flamingo, who has no choice but to attempt a flight near a Kenyan lake, file photo. [Xinhua]

BEIJING, June 9 -- Standing on the edge of a Kenyan lake, the hundreds of pink flamingos are enjoying a relaxing rest and a leisurely feast.

And then the atmosphere changes: the birds stiffen and then begin running across the shallow waters in a desperate bid to get airborne.

Then the reason for their distress becomes obvious, as a hungry hyena bounds onto the scene and gives chase to the fleeing pink birds.

The hyena plucks one unlucky bird straight from the air as it desperately tries to take flight near a Kenyan lake, file photo. [Xinhua]

The fearsome predator shows a surprising turn of speed, plucking one unlucky bird straight from the air as it desperately tries to take flight.

The dainty birds are fine at flying, but they need a run-up to get out of reach of the killer's claws.

The moment was captured by British photographer Anup Shah, who used a camera camouflaged as a boulder to get the bird's-eye view of the attack.

Frightened flamingos desperately attempt to take a flight near a Kenyan lake, file photo. [Xinhua]

He said: "This is the first time anyone has tried this technique with a flamingo flock of having the camera right inside the flock.

"It was essential we did not disturb the bird's routine so that they acted entirely naturally for the shots."