A big snack!

Some kind of a tadpole from the shape and way bigger than the duck’s mouth.

So big she took it for a ride before trying to swallow it, and slapped it in the water a couple of times.

Two other Mergansers that were following along so she changed course. Shortly after this image she swallowed it.

Cypress Wetlands, Port Royal, SC
February 27, 2023
What a beautiful bird and good for her on getting the snack swallowed.
I’m always expecting to see a bird choke on prey that seems too big, but somehow they manage, only rarely looking like it might have been a bad idea.
Great series, that IS a big fish!
Thanks, Donna!