I was able to capture these amazing shots of a Great Egret who had just captured what I believe is a Water Moccasin.
The Egret had it hanging from its mouth, but the snake was still swinging around at times.
Here you can see the Moccasin twisting in an attempt to escape.
When the Mocassin fought the Egret would clamp down hard and shake its head side to side or up and down.
After a few minutes I could see the Egret appeared a bit frustrated.
The Egret was pacing back and forth. I sensed it wasn't going to let go but it also wasn't certain how to eat the Moccasin.
The Egret turned out to be methodical and patient.
It dunked the Mocassin into the water for a few seconds.
Then a moment frozen in time as both Egret and Moccasin paused.
Another dunking for the Moccasin, this time a little longer and more violent.
The Mocassin wasn't struggling much after that.
One more dunk for good measure.
In one swift and agile motion the Egret threw the Moccasin down its throat.
The Egret looked bent out of shape for a few seconds, almost to comical proportions.
A satiated Egret after a hard fought battle.
All pictures taken by 