I watched a great egret at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge wrestle with a fish that looked too large to swallow.
I had just parked my truck near Lower Scarborough, a slough just north of Miner’s Cove, when I spotted a Great Egret in what can only be described as a hilarious predicament. This stately bird was wrestling with a fish that was clearly way too big for its appetite.
What Great Egrets Usually Eat
The Great Egret, with its long, sharp bill, is built for spearing fish. They typically go for prey around 6-8 inches long, but this particular fish was definitely exceeding the recommended serving size.
The determined Egret kept trying to swallow the fish whole. It even dropped it once, only to chase after it and resume the struggle. But after a valiant effort lasting over 5 minutes, the Egret finally conceded defeat and released the fish back into the water.
While Great Egrets can be surprisingly good at stretching their necks and gulping down large prey, there are limits. Their bills, while wide, can only accommodate so much. This experience reminds us that even skilled hunters like the Great Egret have to be opportunistic and know when to cut their losses.
In the end, the Egret probably went on to find a more manageable meal. As for me, I was left with some amazing photos and a newfound appreciation for the patience (or lack thereof) of these magnificent birds.