SHAG VERSUS EEL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20405, 6 November 1929, Page 14

SHAG VERSUS EEL.

Sir, —On Saturday a rather spectacular battle between what is commonly known as a shag, arid an eel was witnessed by a few passing motorists from the Tamaki Bridge at -Otahuhu. The eel, which was between 2ft. sin. and 3?t. in length, was on the mud flat, and before it could get back into the water was savagely attacked. The bird grasped it firmly and beat it wildly, atr the samQ time vainly attempting to swallow it alive. Twice the eel got back into the stream, but each time the bird dived and brought it, out again,. pecking at it determinedly: On three occasions the eel was half swallowed but managed to wriggle out of the bird's throat. At last, with a few, convulsive jerks, the eel was made to slide down till only about 6in. or Bin, of tail remained exposed. The bird now took to the water and swam' round vainly trying to swallow i thq remainder,' but. owing to the writhing it nearly, lost its meal on several occasions-when an extra wriggle would bring the eel bulging up into the bird's throat." With a final jerk the eel disappeared, but apparently, to the gr§at discomfort of the bird, which walked round distractedly, endeavouring to keep down what was" undoubtedly a most unwilling meal. The bird.then rose in the air and circled round overhead with the writhing bulge rising and falling in its throat. At last it flew over toward the Middlsmore pjolf links, leaving the audience speculating as to whether the eel would be forced to remain inside the bird through suffocation, or whether the bird would be compelled to disgorge.. It would be interesting to have some authoritative opinion on the subject. L. C. Day.