Sept. 20, 2015 - Loon Eats a Large Fish
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One morning I was watching the loons on our lake and saw this one catch a fairly large bass. It looked bigger than the loon could handle so I started snapping photos to record the event. Note the white feathers around the loon’s mouth; it’s starting to molt into winter plumage.
The fish can no longer be seen but the bulging neck of the loon shows that it still isn’t fully swallowed. This set of photos only took 45 seconds but I was wondering how the loon could breathe with that fish in its mouth. Kevin Woizeschke from the DNR Loon Monitoring Program provided the answer. He reminded me that loons can dive for up to 5 minutes so they are used to holding their breath at least that long.
earlorfphotos
on October 12, 2015Thanks, I'm glad you liked these photos. Yes, the loon was able to swallow the whole fish. I'll bet it didn't;t have to eat for a while after that. I'll bet the fish did continue to struggle.
ultimatemexicano3535
on October 7, 2015Excellent series here! I have never witnessed such an event before. That looks like a big fish formidable fish staring down its captors throat here! So in the end the bird was really able to win the struggle and gulp down the whole thing entirely okay?? If eaten, does the unlucky/desperate fish get swallowed wriggling all the way as well?!
Linda Russell
on September 18, 2015I was going to ask you the same question about breathing, but you very nicely provided the answer! That is a great set of photos, Earl!