Eel Time
This afternoon we were watching this white ibis furiously picking around in the mud in the salt marsh at low tide for some tasty eel snacks. We saw him catch three or four and it was rather comical to watch the ibis attempt to deal with a wriggling eel that, of course, did not wish to be swallowed. After several minutes the ibis was finally able to subdue the slippery catch and get it down the throat.
This ibis was out with two of his friends but they were completely disinterested in snacking on eels which clearly must be an acquired taste!
Phil Lanoue Photography 
Such action !
The ibis are funny to watch as they struggle so long with these tiny eels. 🙂
I would love to see that in person!
Slippery dinner. Nice catch yourself.
It was funny how out of three ibis only this one went after the eels. Who knew they had preferences?
Success at last! What intensely blue eyes the ibis has!! 🙂
He was having a good time (well as best as I can tell) out there and yes the adult ibis can have very intense blue eyes.
I love the way you always follow the birds’ behaviour – from start to finish. You always post a series of pictures which are almost like a story. A Philologue if you will! 😀 Always a joy to visit your blog.
Well I’m very happy you enjoy the photos and stories, thanks!
Always enjoy your photos Phil. Good on ya! 😀
Well I truly do appreciate that. 🙂
I always take the time to open your posts up and see what that grumpy old Spoony is up to next. Life in Norway is so different from that which your pics bring to life. We only have mallards and sparrows! But we have more ice and snow than you – most of which arrived this evening. Your blog is great and I look forward to seeing much more 😀
Acquired taste or is it talent? I started to pull this up just before sitting down to a spaghetti dinner. Decided it might be best to wait until after dinner. 😀
Oooo no, this post would not go well with spaghetti at all. Smart move to wait until later.
🙂 ! Yet another inter interesting series !
Great shots , as usual , Phil !
utham
Thanks utham, so glad you liked these!
Down the hatch. It must also be an acquired skill. Fantastic sequence.
Well only this one ibis was going for the eels so either he was the only one that knew how, or was the only one that wanted eels for dinner.
Wonderful action shots.
Thanks Jan, they are fun birds.
We’ve eels in the brook where I work. They put up quite a fight when the local kids latch on to one. Nothing I’d choose to chomp. Apparently his pals don’t relish slimy meals like this guy. Nice work, Phil.
Thanks Steve. I onetime watched a great blue heron struggle with an eel the size of a baseball bat for close to an hour. That heron really wanted his catch and did indeed manage to eventually get it down. I was shocked.
Ottimi scatti, si vedono benissimo i particolari del lauto pranzo 🙂
Ciao, Pat
Oh, si tratta di un pranzo sontuoso di sicuro. 🙂
I suspect smoked or jellied eels might get broader approval. Much easier to catch too!
Well his two friends paid no attention at all to the prospect of fresh caught eels. So either they didn’t know how to catch them or they didn’t want any. 🙂
I’m with the other ibis.. great shots as always Phil!
I am as well Adrian! And it was funny how out of three ibis only this one went after the eels. Who knew they had preferences?
Imagine the eel had made a knot around the beak! *gg
Ha it almost did a couple of times. 🙂
You’re photographs are amazing
Thank you so much Deborah, I appreciate the kind comments.
Wow, this is the first time I see an eel in your photos! 🙂
Ahh… check this post from Sept. of last year Paula. 🙂
https://phillanoue.com/2012/09/04/the-first-annual-eel-festival/
And here’s a GBH!
https://phillanoue.com/great-blue-heron-photos/#jp-carousel-380
😆 amazing, Phil 🙂
I am continually amazed by what some of these birds will catch and eat.
It’s the same way with me and eel in sushi. An acquired taste and not for me!
Yeah me too, as far as I’m concerned somebody else can just go and acquire the taste, cause it’s not gonna be me.
The other ibis obviously prefer food that gives them less trouble!
I think you are right about that Maggie! A quick gulp of a small fish or shrimp is much more efficient and convenient. 🙂