Pied-billed Grebe with Crab

Pied-billed Grebe

This morning I went to Lake Jesup Park on Sanford Ave early before work. I got there just after sunrise, hoping to find an owl or other early riser.  I didn't, but I did find an American Bittern, King Rail and all four wrens we have this time of year (Sedge, Marsh, House, Carolina).  There were no photographic moments, though, until I got into the car to leave.  I drove by the boat ramp, and I saw a Pied-billed Grebe dive and come up with a crab in its mouth.

Pied-billed Grebe

He was holding the crab in his bill by one of its legs, and he shook the crab until the leg came off.

Pied-billed Grebe

This left him with just a crab leg in his mouth.

Pied-billed Grebe

Then he fished out the rest of the crab. This time he had the crab by the claw.

Pied-billed Grebe

Usually when I photograph birds shaking their heads, the head turns out all blurry, but this time, I must have captured him right has he was beginning, and the head is still sharp.

Pied-billed Grebe

He worked on the body with claw for quite some time.  Eventually it dove, and when it came up, the crab was gone. I assume he swallowed it just before diving and I missed him swallowing it.

Pied-billed Grebe

Pied-billed Grebe

Pied-billed Grebe

Pied-billed Grebe