Tweeters,

The discussion about Great Blue Herons soaking small mammals prior
to swallowing (perhaps to make them go down easier) reminds me
of something that has amused me over the last few weeks.

Common Loons on Hood Canal will masticate their Starry Flounders
and Staghorn Sculpins for quite some time prior to swallowing.
I have watched many loons work over their fish, chomping away
with the fish in the water, lifting it up and shifting it to
get a few could squishes on the head, the tail, the mid-section.
Finally, the whole thing goes down, distending the throat
momentarily.

Belted Kingfishers take similar care with their prey except they
simply bash the prey rather than masticate it. I have observed
the bashing with fish but also observed a kingfisher bash a
crab prior to swallowing it. I didn't know they ate crabs.

Kelly McAllister