Spear Fishing
There were a few anhingas out in the marsh pond this morning, doing their usual routine of spearing fish on the end of their sharp bill, and then flipping the fish in mid air for a head first swallow. I thought it might be interesting to show birds with a speared fish, and then one doing the patented “Anhinga Fish Flip”!
Phil Lanoue Photography 
I’m amazed at what these anhingas can do with their beaks alone…catching lunch, while doing a flipping trick before downing it. Impressive shots!
Ah they are such show offs in public. I bet when they are home alone with no one around watching they eat their fish like a normal animal. 😉
I bet you are SO right. Maybe you should try and follow one home sometime…?
I wonder it would serve for dinner? Oh, fish. Duh.
Wow, they certainly are quite talented! Great shots!
As many times as I’ve been to the bird refuge, I have yet to see a bird, preferably a great blue heron, catch a fish.
The anhinga fishing is my favorite bird action to photograph, they are really amazing!
Thanks!
This makes my throat hurt…I can’t believe they can swallow these whole…amazing…just like your shots.
Thanks so much, yes they can fit some big fish down those skinny necks!
Fantastic series of images!
Thanks for looking and commenting Beth!
Enjoyed the action! Maybe did not the fish though.
No that fish was having a very bad day! Thanks for looking!
great series – especially like the first photo – beautiful composition!
I’m very happy you enjoyed these photos, thanks!
Poor fishies. That just can’t be a good way to meet one’s end! Amazing photos, though, as always!
Bad day for the fish for sure, plus consider they often get swallowed still alive. 😯
Thanks for checking out these pics!
Wonderful series of one of my favorite birds doing what they do best!
Thanks Molly and the anhinga is my favorite bird action to watch and photograph.
Great action shots!
Thanks glad you like ’em!
…then flipping the fish in mid air for a head first swallow — amazing capture!
Thanks Amy, it is amazing to watch and photograph!
Another great catch.
Well those birds sure know what they are doing, while I’m mostly just stumbling around out there.
Wow, wow, wow!!! Incredible shots, especially the first one. I can’t get over the detail you capture in your photos :).
I truly appreciate your very kind comments, thanks!
Amazing action photos; love the detail. That has got to scare the fish.
Thanks much Charlie and oh yes, a bad day for the fish no doubt.
Really incredible shots Phil. The second to last image is outstanding.
Thanks for checking these out Edith and glad you like them!
These anhingas are certainly very efficient and clever with their beaks. I once tried to toss a pancake and it ended up on the floor. Your photos are amazing in their detail, even down to the terrified look in that hapless fish’s eye. 😯
Those anhingas are quite skilled at what they do for sure. I have dropped a burger trying to flip it on a grill. 😕 😦
Love the toss. 🙂
Thanks Steve, those birds are amazing!
Wonderful action shots Phil and so detailed.
Thanks very much for your kind words Jan.
Bingo – Volltreffer! 🙂
Thanks so much Dina!! Diese Vögel sind sehr schnell
Und du kannst sehr gut Deutsch, Phil! I’m impressed! 🙂
Great shots of such a clever bird but I can’t help feeling sorry for the fish!
It is a very skilled and clever bird but yes a sad day indeed for poor Mr. Fish.
Thanks for looking Maggie.
Great close-ups, Phil.
Thanks Andrew I appreciate it.
The close-ups are so cool. I’m impressed every time I visit! These birds are amazing (as are your photographs).
I greatly appreciate your kind words, thanks!
I still can’t get my head around this bird. Stunning shots again Phil!
They really are amazing birds to watch Adrian and I never get tired of seeing them in action!
Thanks very much for checking these out!
Amazing action captured! Kudos!!
Thanks a million, I’m glad you enjoyed them!
What awesome shots! Talk about close up clarity on the first one. Poor stabbed fishy is now just part of the food chain. 🙂
Yes that poor fish was not long for this world once it got stabbed by the anhinga who is so good at what it does.
Glad you liked the pics!
Your watching birds with your camera and your amazing photographs make me to live these exciting moments… I can die for these moments… Because I love to watch them too, Thank you dear Phil, love, nia
You are very kind Nia thank you so much!
Hope you have a very nice weekend!
Such a fantastic series Phil. I love how you capture each motion in such detail.
Thanks very much Emily so glad you enjoyed these!
Fabulous!
Fishie goes to his final resting place.
The fish were having a bad day.