This image was taken at Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland, Florida. This expansive preserve is teeming with wildlife, making it a paradise for nature and bird photographers.
As I walked along a narrow trail with a stream running beside it, I came upon a large cormorant struggling with an exceptionally large fish. The fish was far too lively to be swallowed, and the bird repeatedly thrashed and battered it in an effort to kill it before tossing it into the air and attempting to swallow it whole. The encounter was dramatic, intense, and fascinating to watch and shoot.
What made the scene even more remarkable was that the cormorant seemed completely oblivious of my presence. From only about ten feet away, I was able to photograph the entire struggle as it unfolded. It was an unforgettable wildlife moment and a vivid reminder of the raw realities of nature.
Images taken with a Nikon D850, 200-500mm Nikkor Lens, Focal Length 500 mm, ISO-1000, 1/2500, F9.
10 comments posted
Ted Evans
Tom
Great capture! This is a case of having "a mouth bigger than your stomach". I love the close crop, but I wish we could see the tail for identification purposes.
This is a very curious species of Cormorant because of the red eyes. Most North American Cormorants have blue eyes.
However, the Crowned Cormorant, and Reed Cormorant do have red eyes, but are mainly located on the African continent. This may very well be a migratory bird. An important find Tom.
Posted: 07/08/2026 14:43:54
Tom Buckard
Ted, I have seen cormorants with red, blue and turquoise eyes. Never thought to ID them. Will try and be more observant in the future. Posted: 07/09/2026 11:56:01
Leslie Larson
500mm at 10 feet? Surprised you got more than the eyeball. Not sure why the eye coloration, but surely not an African stray. Did you have it on flash?
It is rather amazing what large fish they are able to swallow. What a series of photos you must have of the encounter. Posted: 07/08/2026 19:41:41
Tom Buckard
Leslie, in my mind I was very close but in reality I had to be much further away. No flash but I do remember the Cormorant slamming the fish against the horizontal tree trunk he was standing on. Posted: 07/09/2026 11:38:09
Michael Braunstein
great capture. I love the red eye. Posted: 07/09/2026 14:27:24
Tom Buckard
Thanks Michael, This cormorant really put on a true nature exhibition. Posted: 07/11/2026 13:02:59
Veysi Arcagok
A wonderful photo taken with perfect timing. Both the background and the colors are magnificent. Congratulations, Tom. Posted: 07/11/2026 06:07:15
Tom Buckard
Veysi, I know this photo is a little graphic because of the blood, but this cormorant was absolutely determined to kill the fish and get it down its throat. Posted: 07/11/2026 13:01:14
Leslie Larson
One thing you might try is selecting your cormorant and brightening it up a bit to stand out more from the dark blue of the water. I don't mind the blood, it adds color and interest. Still, it's amazing they can swallow such large fish. Posted: 07/11/2026 15:04:13
Tom Buckard
Leslie, I lightened the cormorant, and I like the result. Since cormorants are naturally very dark-almost black-and this one is also wet, I don't want to lighten him too much or change his appearance too drastically. Posted: 07/11/2026 15:43:45
