A heron tried to swallow a turtle for its dinner but was left frustrated as it could not pierce its shell to kill it. 8 Dec 2009
The bird, which usually spears its prey before swallowing it whole, spent 25 minutes attempting to eat the nine inch turtle before flying away carrying the turtle in its beak.
The young Florida Softshell Turtle wriggled as Jose Garcia photographed the Blue Heron at the Everglades National Park in Florida, United States.
Herons, which usually eat fish and small snakes, have been known to choke on prey that is too large.
Mr Garcia, 50, said: "This particular species of heron is the largest of the wading birds and they have been known to prey on everything from fish to small alligators and snakes.
"But in all my years of photographing the Everglades wildlife this is the first time I've seen one of these birds trying to eat a turtle.
"This went on for about 25 minutes, with the bird repositioning the turtle in order to swallow it, to no avail.
"The problem was that the turtle was still alive. It was moving its legs non stop and the circumference of its shell was too wide.
"The bird looked frustrated and the turtle was trying desperately to 'swim' away.
"Eventually, with almost no light the heron flew out of range with the turtle still in its beak.
"If I had to bet money I would say the turtle is now ten to 11 inches in circumference and that heron is probably hunting easier prey."
Blue Herons, or Ardea Herodias, have a head to tail length up to 55 inches, a wingspan up to 79 inches and weigh between 4.4 and 8lbs.
They are found throughout North America near bodies of water, usually nesting in trees or bushes. It has been recorded as a vagrant in England.
Florida Softshell Turtles, or Apalone ferox, are native to the eastern United States and are popular as pets.
They have a long neck, an elongated head, with a long snorkel-like nose and can grow up to 25 inches.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/wildlife/6838752/Heron-tries-to-swallow-turtle-for-dinner.html
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