Fishing in the Deep End, Part 2

There is always a "rest of the story " and this one I will call "Fishing in the Deep End, Part 2". After the Great Egret flew off and got himself a nice halibut, the Snowy Egret returned to his favorite fishing hole and resumed his fishing on the wing. Here are some photos to show the intensity of that hunt. 

The Great Egret flew over to the far bank of the tide channel and managed to get himself a nice California Halibut.

 

He had speared it with both top and bottom beak. 

He jerks his beak free and snaps the halibut between his beak with a vice-like grip.

Fish is swallowed head first. A nice size meal that made the Great Egret rest on the banks for awhile.

Taking advantage of the food coma of our Great Egret, our Snowy Egret returned to his favorite fishing hole and immediately spots a fish near the shore.

Pluck! Got him! 

 

Nice little snack.

Our Snowy Egret spots another fish. 

He now hunts on the wing. 

 

Running on top of the water at times. 

Executes some incredible maneuvers. Spinning and turning every which way. 

 

Keeping his eye on the prey he follows its every move. 

He is almost close enough to strike. 

Just a little bit closer... 

Almost close enough but the fish scoots past. 

The Snowy turns using his feet like a rudder to control his quick turn. 

Lost the visual of his prey and a momentary relaxing of the wings sinks him deep to his chest. 

The Snowy Egret looks around and spots the fish. 

Off he goes again. 

Hunting on the wing. 

Hoping to get his prey this time. 

Determination!

He gains ground and is ready to strike.

Oh no... the fish scoots by again.

He spots him and makes a lunge.

Goes for the strike but the fish squeaks past his beak. You can see the fish coming to the surface just past his head.

 The fish swims past as the Snowy gathers himself after the unsuccessful strike. 

 

The fish must be doing a happy dance, he is spotted on the surface of the water on the far right-hand side of this photo. 

 

Our Snowy Egret sees him too and doesn't waste any time jumping forward to get his prey. 

Hunting on the wing again in hot pursuit after the elusive fish . 

Another strike!

Got him!!! You can see the fish sticking out the side of the Snowy's beak. What a thrilling hunt!

He gulps the fish on the fly as he sees the Great Egret coming his way again. Time for him to get going and it's time for me to head for home too.

One last look at our very majestic Great Egret as he flies by in slow motion. Wow, it just takes your breath away!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!