OK, so, technically, this isn't "playing", this is a much-practiced and time perfected maneuver that puts the fish into a position where the cormorant can swallow it whole.
Once the cormorant spins the fish's head around, the flailing of its tail act...
**WARNING: graphic feeding images**
A well documented peregrine mating pair in Southern California had 3 surviving hatchlings last spring. I happened to catch one of their feeding sessions. The juveniles were still working on their aerial maneuvers...
this black phoebe lives in my backyard and we often spend our mornings together - me with some tea and he (or her?) with a worm.
and yes, that's it's tongue!
Honestly, I think your photo is fine as a wide angle shot. As @ebiggs2 mentioned, it just needs a little clean up in post production. Also try cropping your images to get in "closer" - 24.2 MP isn't a lot, but it gives you a little wiggle room,...
