Yes, it’s what you think it is.
1/2500, f/6.3, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
Late yesterday afternoon while this Pied-billed Grebe was hunting crayfish in the shallow water of our local pond the crayfish apparently already knew it was doomed as the grebe approached so it rose up out of the water and defiantly gave the one-fingered salute to the grebe. A split-second later the bird grabbed the crayfish and gobbled it down.
This is the first time I’ve ever seen, much less photographed, prey giving “the finger” to a predator. From the look on the grebe’s face I don’t think it could believe the nerve of that little crustacean.
Nah, I’m joshin’ you – couldn’t resist.
Actually the grebe had just torn off one of the swimmerets of the crayfish by violently shaking it and the crayfish flew through the air and is now landing in the water tail first. Both of the big claws had already been torn off so all that was left was some of the smaller walking legs with their much smaller claws on the end – perfect for the illusion of giving the finger, especially in this position. When I saw the image on my screen that’s what I immediately thought of so I just ran with it. In reality the crayfish is now defenseless and the grebe swallowed it about 2 seconds after this photo was taken.
It’s only a novelty shot but that’s about all I had time for this morning. And besides, this little kid in an old man’s body enjoyed the hell out of it.
Ron
Note: There’s been no “Photoshop magic” applied to this photo. The image is presented as taken.
Ron, interesting how politics can’t help but ‘creep’ into so many conversations!! It is good that we are all allowed to have our opinion.
Anyway, I like Patty’s comment in that ‘you had me’. I was sure the crayfish was going to escape. A very funny photo with interesting comments to go with it!
Thanks, Ron
“interesting how politics can’t help but ‘creep’ into so many conversations”
Alice, I think most of us, including me, try to avoid that subject and religion around here (and that’s a generally a good thing) but sometimes it almost becomes painful not to at least skirt around the subject a little. And I understand that.
I’m glad you enjoyed my little deception.
Ron, most of the time one can learn from others.
It’s good to keep that little kid around!! It’s also good to stand up to what you think is authority!! And I’m going with the first story, too. Makes me giggle! LOL!!!
It does me too, Laura. And I don’t giggle very often these days.
All us “little kids” thank you….great post and photo…
There’s more of “us” out there than many folks think, Steve – that’s for sure. Thank you.
Crustaceans and democrats rise up !
Works for me, Kelly…
Big, big smiles. And thanks.
🙂
You had me going, I thought you had captured another rare behavior, boxing crayfish. Yes I am gullible.
That made me smile, April. In fact it very nearly made my day!
Enjoyed the laugh. Had me going for just a minute, too.
Good. Another gotcha. Thanks for letting me know, Dan. 🙂
“#Bringiton.
+1000 Interwebs for Diane! 🙂
Perfect for a doomed crayfish with an attitude, Diane!
Hi. Larious. 😀 If I might also add the caption, “Put up yer dukes! I’ll fightcha! Put ’em up!”
My feeling is that we are what we teach (or have taught), which makes me a 15-year-old boy. 😉
“My feeling is that we are what we teach (or have taught)”
I strongly agree, Marty. It helps to relate to our students in many ways. We just have to know where to draw the line – a lesson I’ve seen a few teachers NEVER learn…
You had me….I identify with the prey more than ever now….was disappointed with the “gobbled down” part…wanted the crayfish to win this one….hope it really was giving the grebe “the finger”…
Good. I’m glad I got you, Patty. I’ve yet to see a crayfish come anywhere near winning one of these encounters…
Thanks for a good laugh this morning. I find that life is much better when we can apply our imagination to what we see, whether it’s shapes in rocks or clouds, or crayfish being “rude”. Without imagination there’s not a lot of fun in life. IMHO.
Agreed. Susan.
It kind of reminds me of a scene in a Monty Python movie. A smile to start the day is always uplifting.
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Dennis. Thanks.
Good laugh from n unexpected source………top of the mornin’ to ya !
And the same to you, Kris!
Kinda the way we feel with the present administration!
Exactly.
That’s what it looks like alright! 🙂 Great capture, Ron. 🙂 Snow this morning – Winter storm warning out………. We’ll take what we can get!
Thanks, Judy. I just thought it was kind of a fun photo. We have a small storm coming in tomorrow and a colder one “scheduled” for Friday. We need a snow dump!