Silhouetted Fish

Thanks Cheryl. I was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time for this one.

Oh interesting! That must be some hungry pelican! So it manages to keep one fish inside the pouch while gulping another, sounds impressive! Still, it seems difficult to me that the bird can deal with both these large fish! So the bird was actually able to fit (swallowed alive?!) that whole thing down its long/skinny (the pouch is definitely big!) throat completely somehow?? I have never witnessed an event like this before. I feel somewhat perplexed over how it actually happens, wouldn't the fish stand a chance of escaping or even damaging (it’s sharp fins, wriggling, biting, etc.) the bird's throat/stomach if eaten in that condition?! It’s hard for me to imagine that the formidable-looking fish (wouldn't the prey also go into a desperate "survival mode" once it realized that it hit the stomach?) doesn't turn around inside the elastic gullet and how the bird can keep down/digest such an object with no issues? I don't have much knowledge about these events and am mostly curious, I appreciate any feedback/explanation. Sorry for all of the questions, have a good week ;)

Thanks for the view and comment Kyle. I believe they are Striped Mullets and they thrash for a bit then settle down. The fish slid down the Pelican's throat one at a time.

Amazing capture! Those looks like some big fish (you know what kind and can you see them thrashing about inside the pouch?) staring deep down its captor's throat here! So could the bird really manage to win the battle and gulp (both at once?!) down entirely okay? Do the fish put up a good fight, if eaten, does the unlucky prey get swallowed wriggling all the way as well?!

Awesome capture, Craig! I love watching these majestic birds... expert hunters indeed. Outstanding work on this image! F/L

Wow, stunning capture of the light silhouette of the fish. f/l

Wow this is so funny, seeing the fish inside. I wonder if they stay alive for a while? Great capture Craig! lf

Thanks Laura, I appreciate the comment

That's an awesome shot, Craig! I have a few shots that show the fish silhouette, but not this good. LOVE IT!!!