This series is of a Great Egret having caught a Siren in a swamp. I’m not sure what type of Siren, I could not get any closer and did not have a large zoom lens.
A Siren is a member of the Salamander family and they range from 25–95 cm (9.8–37.4 in) in length. I have seen larger ones in this area. (click to view a Great Heron with a super sized version).
After a while the Egret was able to swallow the Siren but didn’t look happy about it. Somewhere I read they secrete a toxic slime as a protection. If true it explains why birds drink huge amounts of water after eating one. Of course I would probably do the same, or worse, if I swallowed one of these.
Click, or double tap, any image below to view a full size gallery.
Great Egret Catching A Siren – click to enlarge
Great Egret Catching A Siren – click to enlarge
Great Egret Catching A Siren – click to enlarge
Great Egret Catching A Siren – click to enlarge
Great Egret Catching A Siren – click to enlarge
Great Egret Catching A Siren – click to enlarge
Great Egret Catching A Siren – click to enlarge
Amazing. I don’t think I’d enjoy eating one of those.
Just plain nasty ! The really big ones are dangerous for these birds. Doesn’t stop them though.