Woody’s Big Muddy Score
Earlier this month I saw a wood stork snag a fish out of the salt marsh just as the setting sunlight was warming up the scene. Woody walked around, back and forth with his prize but muddied catch, before finally walking back behind the reeds to enjoy his meal in private.
Most herons and egrets will rinse off a fish that was dropped in the mud before eating it, but the wood storks are not quite that discerning.
Phil Lanoue Photography 
Fantastici scatti caro Phil. Sono bellissimi!!
Ciao, Pat
The reflections making it even more special.
That is one big fish! Great catch!
Yikes, I thought he might gag, but I guess the size of that catch is the norm for these guys. Wow. Beautiful colors — love the oil slick reflection, including the fish!
Nice catch!
Great shots and reflections.
Mud dipping sauce?
Such beautiful light, Phil and you have it reflected perfectly in the water – clever!
You may as well flaunt it a bit even if it is muddy.
Nice shot! I can beehive he could get that down in one piece.
Erv
Great shots, especially the reflection photos. He must have an iron stomach as all that mud looks like it would give him an upset tummy. Then again, if he can digest raw fish bones and all, he should be okay.
Maybe they just have less discerning digestive systems! Very interesting. Great photos, as always!
I’d be worried about getting my beautiful, fluffy white feathers dirty! Beautiful photos!
He looks very dainty in the first shot, Phil, as though he’s doing a little dance! Beautiful light on these.
Wow, really cool photos! It’s hard to believe the bird can swallow that big fish!