Competition for the Crabbers ~ (a non-kosher post ;-)

Moments after I had passed the [human] fishermen and crabbers setting up their gear at the water’s edge early yesterday morning, I spotted this determined Yellow-crowned Night Heron, hiding in the shadows, out of sight of the humans! He looked quite self-satisfied As I approached, he gave me a slightly nervous, momentary glance, when he realized that I saw he was munching on a good-sized crab!
He was really quite deft at maneuvering the squiggly little crustacean in his beak – never even dropped it once!

Until he expertly managed to toss the last morsel down his throat.

GULP!! I could almost hear him swallow . . .

Still hungry?? …. apparently! As he rustled about in the grass, I saw that he had plucked up yet another unlucky little fellow! Is that Crayfish on the dessert menu??

Florida’s crabbing season just began a month ago, and the Tampa Bay Times headlines said the “forecast is upbeat, but prices could be high.” This hungry bird could definitely make a dent in the supply!

6 thoughts on “Competition for the Crabbers ~ (a non-kosher post ;-)”

I sure had fun watching this heron enjoy his feast. Your photos are spectacular, thank you. 😀

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Birder's Journey says:

November 17, 2014 at 6:21 pm

Thanks so much for your visit and your kind comments, Jet! I had fun, too, watching his antics in person.

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Whenever I visit Longboat Key, Florida, I enjoy observing these interesting birds. Terrific wildlife behavior photographs! This heron is quite the skilled hunter. I love the red eyes and cool looking plumage. Your title is fun too. A joy to visit your wonderful blog!

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Thank you very much, Julie – this little guy was on the Gulf Coast, but we see them often here in Palm Beach County.

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I think I would like birding in Florida. You get some beautiful shots and interesting birds and their behaviors. I like the “tossing” photo. Some quick camera work there.

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I’m sure you would like birding – and taking photographs, of course – in Florida. It is so magical ~ we have so many beautiful, large and colorful wetland birds. Your feedback is most appreciated, thanks so much!

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