This Double-crested Cormorant took a long time showing off his catch, more than the usual maneuvers for easiest swallowing.

He did show off his flipping skills.

And catching.

After a few minutes I walked away and he was still paddling around with the fish.

Huntington Beach State Park, SC
November 9, 2021
He looks quite pleased with himself 😊. Nice series, Ellen!
Thanks, Belinda! I hate to anthropomorphize birds, but he sure did seem to be showing off!
¡Bravo!
Thank you, Isabel!
What a great series Ellen, amazing that they can eat a fish that big.
Thanks, Sandra! I know we think indigestion, but I’ve rarely seen a water bird or a wading bird give up.
I love the flipping shots, Ellen. Those are skills that I have seen more in shots of anhingas (a species that I have not yet seen in person).
Yes, and they are fun to watch. Because the Anginga spear the fish on their long beaks it is often more work for them, and more photographic opportunity, to get the fish down their gullet.
This Cormorant so close was rather unusual, at least where I have seen them.
Another species for you to put on a travel list 😀