Eastern Phoebe eats a horsefly
This poor Eastern Phoebe looks a little raggedy and I would have passed it up except it had an insect in its beak and the more I looked at it, the more I believe it to be a horsefly with eyes of green and black stripes. What I found interesting is that the Phoebe didn't just chuck it back but had it in its bill for at least a minute. I thought that was interesting but have no idea why the bird would do that. Was it just enjoying the capture? But, in the end, thank you to the Phoebe because I hate the bite of horseflies. There's one less thanks to you!
Taken 13 June 2016 at Huntley Meadows Park, Virginia.
Eastern Phoebe eats a horsefly
This poor Eastern Phoebe looks a little raggedy and I would have passed it up except it had an insect in its beak and the more I looked at it, the more I believe it to be a horsefly with eyes of green and black stripes. What I found interesting is that the Phoebe didn't just chuck it back but had it in its bill for at least a minute. I thought that was interesting but have no idea why the bird would do that. Was it just enjoying the capture? But, in the end, thank you to the Phoebe because I hate the bite of horseflies. There's one less thanks to you!
Taken 13 June 2016 at Huntley Meadows Park, Virginia.