Crayfish are a favorite food of Hooded Mergansers, but they're not easily consumed. A certain amount of preparation is required. See the photos below to see how this hoodie prepares his meal.
Here's a Hooded Merganser with a freshly-caught crayfish:
The crayfish is still grasping a twig, in a futile attempt to prevent being carried off:
Now ... What do do?
The plan of attack is first to get the pincers out of the way ...
Get a good grip on the pincer:
Give it a little shake:
Give it bigger shake:
Then a violent shake ... and the pincer begins to break free from the body:
Success! Another pincer bites the dust:
Now on to the legs ... Try that shaking approach again:
Two legs gone:
Another leg or two break loose:
Once the appendages are removed, it's meal time! One swallow is all it takes: