aquatic birds ; pelagics, egrets, herons, ducks, etc, Eared Grebe with large snack (click image for larger view)

If you have the opportunity to watch these characters from a bridge or boat as they chase fish underwater you'll see some amazing movement.

They are incredibly fast as they bolt into schools of small fish.  This one caught one of the largest but then had to avoid getting hijacked by others.

As I looked at a very close crop I noticed that their tongues have what appears to be backward facing barbs.  These would likely help them hold their prey but might also explain why Grebes don't seem to be fond of kissing.....

Very nice image, the red eye is the cherry on the pie, ciao Giangiorgio

Many thanks for the explanation about Grebes' tongue. Did you try to kiss one ?

Your photo is very well composed. Do not change anything.

Were you lucky to be very close of it ? Or do you have a very long lens ?

All your last bird images Steve are very vivid....

In this one you perfectly captured the moment with amazing clarity......

Both the above image and the close up have wonderful crisp details.....

The vantage vibrant blue of the water enriches the presentation....

The details under the close up image are very interesting....

Great capture! The fish got a moment to reflect before it gave up its ghost!!

Nice one brother Steve, I shall join the gang this week, but before that I have to check out El Dorado. You really got the eye good on this one, only if he turns his head toward us a little bit, exposure is excellent.

Steve, I think your bird images are very high caliber. This one is visually striking. The beautiful dark royal blue and silvery greys accented with that bright red eye is wonderful. I like the sharp focus. That red eyeball made me laugh. It looks like it belongs to a vicious demon, then there's that barbed tongue. Who knew that

grebs were so ferocious!

An excellent image Steve! The timing couldn't have been better here,  and the hard contrast really calls attention to the red eye of the Grebe. Superb capture, and post work!

All the best,
Neil