More action on the muddy puddle! I heard a guttural croak and saw a Great Egret in hot pursuit of another that had been lucky/smart enough to capture an eel. The pursuer gave up the chase quite quickly but the captor of the eel still took quite a few minutes to kill and swallow its prey. This process mostly seemed to involve a fierce grip on the eel, an occasional shake and a rinse? in the water.
Finally it managed to swallow.
And then it stood still looking, I thought, a bit uncomfortable…….or is it just too easy to anthropomorphize?
Wild Wings & Swampy Things 
Nope. I think some big prey does leave birds feeling strain in throat. Don’t think they’re able – or concerned – to kill before gulping victims down.
I wasn’t wearing a watch but I would have said that the Egret was holding the eel in its bill for at least 5 minutes before it attempted to swallow it and all the time it was walking around. Although I agree that the bird wouldn’t have killed the eel it didn’t appear to be wriggling as much …. quietened by the grip on its head perhaps?
Great set of shots! I once saw a white ibis catch and swallow an eel but didn’t get to photograph it.
Thanks Duncan, I just happened to be in the hide enjoying the interactions in the crowded puddle when I spotted the Egrets chasing each other.
Nice one Barbara,
You’re right about that last shot – indigestion?
Gouldiae.
Hi Barbara
Great series of shots.
I’d say indigestion is the problem.
Cheers
Denis
It certainly looked like a case of indigestion didn’t it? Sorry to be so long acknowledging your comments Gouldiae and Denis …..I’ve been distracted, it can happen easily.
Cheers
Barbara