Regurgitation is not a warm and fuzzy topic. Yet, it is an integral part of being a raptor or an owl.
When a bird of prey eats another animal, it generally consumes everything: meat, bones, fur, feet and bills. The indigestible portions are collected as a pellet in the bird’s gizzard and now and then is cast out. Last Sunday, I watched a kestrel cast a pellet.
The kestrel was sitting on a utility wire.
It began to cough as if choking on something.
The pellet appeared in its mouth and was ejected.
“Good, now that that’s over with and I’m out of here.”
Great Burp – caught in action.
Great shots. I suppose this could be the bird version of a cat’s hair ball… ;o)
This series of shots left me open mouthed, too! I follow your blog and review your website very regularly. Couldn’t resist replying this time. Thank you so much for sharing your talent and your knowledge.
That is amazing, you must have either good luck, great patience or both. Thanks for sharing.
Lorna, if I had set out to photograph a kestrel casting a pellet, I would have needed luck or patience. But, I didn’t do that; I set out to photograph anything interesting. Nature is rich; there is always something interesting taking place, albeit something different each time.