Mallard snack

[expiallyd]

I encountered this mallard at Willband lying in wait at the outflow beside the south bridge. I watched her catch eat something that looked like a fish - a pretty substantial snack, I thought.  A minute or two later she was fishing again and caught what I thought was a good-sized frog. Looking at the cropped pictures, I am wondering if this is actually a salamander.  Pictures were taken in poor light and I have adjusted them a bit; still not very clear but I am wondering if anyone can see this snack well enough to tell me what she's eating.

On a related note, after she downed this creature she was right back looking for more. So it makes me wonder if mallards have any internal organs or if they are entirely hollow on the inside to accommodate all this food. She did look thoroughly pleased with herself after she managed to swallow this thing.

Thanks!

Anne

Mallard snack 1 by

Mallard snack 3 by

Mallard snack 2 by

Happy mallard by

[kestrel]

Kind of looks like a bullfrog tadpole. I'm not 100% sure though.

[Randy]

Sept 4, 2018 12:09:41 GMT -8 kestrel said:

Kind of looks like a bullfrog tadpole. I'm not 100% sure though.

That was my first thought too. Yum!

[expiallyd]

I wondered about that too and it seems more likely. Thanks for your input.

[birderbert]

American Bullfrog tadpole. I got some pics a couple of years ago of a Bittern eating one at Willband but have never seen this with ducks. Great find Anne!

[Gord]

A very interesting observation, Anne!