The Heron Didn't Have a Cold

....But it Did Have a Frog in its Throat

After about ten minutes of tossing and washing the American Bullfrog, the Great Blue Heron finally was satisfied. After dropping the bullfrog one final time in the water, the Heron grabbed its meal in position to swallow it. As the Heron pulls the bullfrog out of the water, you can see this is a very different grasp than any of the prior ones.

The bullfrog is now a bit deeper in the Heron's throat and there is an observable bulge in the Heron's throat.

(a close-up shows the progress)

The Great Blue Heron tipped its head up and the bullfrog, head first, began its journey down. The bird's throat is very engorged now.

There is no visible part of the bullfrog's body now and only its legs are showing.

(and a close-up of the shot above)

With the frog almost gone, more of the Great Blue Heron's throat widened.

The bullfrog seemed to give one final wave with its feet.

And then, nothing was left in the mouth but there is a noticeable bulge working its way down the Heron's throat.

Once the Great Blue was finished eating, it moved a bit to the side. I walked around the pond to get a better angle on the bird. It looked satisfied and was in a relaxed, non-hunting pose.

Incidentally, this is not an adult Great Blue heron. An adult would have an orange bill and a dark facial stripe set against white feathers on its head.