SHOOTING UP ON HERON… A bird holds a syringe between its beak, looking as if ready to harpoon some fish from the river bank. The heron was seen with the litter in the Bolsa Chica ecological reserve in California, USA. Photographer Boris Droutman said, “The ecological reserve is across the road from the Bolsa Chica beach. I believe the heron found the remains of people’s drug activity at this very nice spot by the water. It seemed curious about the object and was perhaps considering using it as a prop for fishing like it would a stick. Sometimes herons will drop small sticks in the water hoping that it attracts fish.” “I had mixed feeling when witnessing this moment. On one hand the possibility for funny shots popped into my head but I was mostly sad to see that such an awesome place is littered with used syringes that birds have to deal with. The reserve regularly organises volunteers to help the clean up efforts. I hope the photos can remind people of the consequences of their bad choices impacting themselves and wildlife.” Please byline: Boris Droutman/Solent News © Boris Droutman/Solent News & Photo Agency UK +44 (0) 2380 458800 *** Local Caption *** 1. When and where were these pictures taken? These pictures was taken at the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve in Huntington Beach, CA USA on July 26th 2024 2. Can you explain what you saw? Do you know where the needle came from and what it might be used for? The Ecological reserve is across the road from the Bolsa Chica beach and I believe the heron found the remains of some people's drug activities in the very nice spot by the water on the marsh shore and was curious (?) about it or maybe was considering to use it as a prop (like a stick) for his fishing... not sure. Sometimes herons will drop a small stick in the water in the hopes that it will attract fish. 3. Have you seen this here before? I have not seen such behavior before, although I have seen used syringes at Bolsa Chica, unfortunately 4. What was it like to witness this? I had a mixed bag of feelings when I witnessed this. On one hand some possible funny captures for this shot started popping up in my head, but mostly it was very sad to see that such an awesome place like this Ecological Reserve is littered with used syringes clearly used by druggies and birds have to deal with it... 5. What is your favourite thing about the shots? That it can be used in reminding people of the consequences of their bad choices impacting themselves and definitely impacting the wildlife and also it can be used as a motivation for volunteers engaging in clean up efforts... 6. Any other info we may like to know? Bolsa Chica stuff regularly organizes volunteers to help in clean up efforts of the Ecological Reserve --