Walking through the Orlando Wetlands last night, after a heavy rainstorm, I spied this Great Blue Heron trudging up out of the water with a tasty catch firmly speared on his long, dagger-like bill. 
The Heron spent a few moments shaking the unfortunate fish, who soon gave up the struggle. It is believed that this action breaks or relaxes the sharp spines of the fish, so that it is easier to swallow whole. (All About Birds)
Herons, egrets and other water birds may toss their meal into the air so that it will slide smoothly down the throat. But this fish appeared to be quite an easy mouthful. 
In no time, the hapless fish disappeared down the Heron’s gullet – the entire sequence took less than 60 seconds. 
All that remains is a final tell-tale lump in the Heron’s long neck.
According to Audubon, the Great Blue Heron “thrives around all kinds of waters from subtropical mangrove swamps to desert rivers to the coastline of southern Alaska.” (Audubon.org)
The largest herons in North America, Great Blues are very adaptable, and “live in both freshwater and saltwater habitats, and also forage in grasslands and agricultural fields”. (All About Birds). Though their typical diet is comprised of fish, amphibians, crustaceans, and insects, Great Blue Herons are also known to eat small mammals, and even the eggs or chicks of other small birds.
Thank you BJ. A most remarkable informative post.
I just can’t stop thinking about the hapless fish. 🐬
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I know…. me too, Berny. All part of the cycle of life.
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Wonderful photo sequence. I confess to not being in the least concerned about the fish, I love my fish (and chips). I’m happy the heron had a successful fishing trip!
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This is clearly the way of nature – pretty remarkable, eh?!
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Yes it is, absolutely 🙂
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That’s a BIG gulp! 🙂
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Looks large to me! But it’s probably a small meal for this guy : )
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These big birds are known for their appetite, they eat most everything in the pond or marsh. Great shots Carol! 🙂
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Yes, H.J., I’m actually amazed at how varied their diet is. And that their range covers most of North America and beyond.
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Great series.
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Thank you, Sherry!
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Great set of shots!
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Thanks, Kathy – it was one of those moments that I just happened to stumble upon, and had to capture quickly.
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Fantastic action series! Poor fishy, but lucky GBH!! 🙂
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I was surprised by how quickly this whole episode passed. Thanks, Donna!
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Great sequence!!!!
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I confess, I couldn’t walk away till the fish was gone 😬
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