Talons First by byronbackyard
byronbackyard

Talons First by

This male Osprey was coming into land with his body taut, his wings spread high and his magnificent talons well and truly spread. Osprey have large feet with huge talons (for catching and holding fish) so they will always perch on a clear branch, tree trunk or pole … anywhere they can balance.
They have relatively long legs for a raptor, spiny footpads called spicules, long, sharp, curved claws, and a reversible outer toe to aid in gripping slippery fish.
Canon 50D, EF70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

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About byronbackyard

Many thanks for checking out my photos, please feel free to give feedback! My wanderings in nature and observations of birds, particularly raptors, is what gives me great joy and constantly reminds me of the beauty and strength of life. My favourites are raptors, I love their freedom, grace, ruthlessness, pride, adaptability and flexibility and I learn much about parenting, protection and blind faith from them.
Please feel free to check out my website:
www.byronbaybackyard.com.au

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Tags

australian, predator, estuary, raptor, talons, osprey, bird of prey, byron bay, pandion haliaetus, fishing hawk

Comments

  • Clive
    Clivealmost 2 years ago

    Picture perfect my friend, great detail

  • Many thanks …. heavens that was a fluke one I can tell you, very lucky it was focused.

    – byronbackyard

  • oldsalty
    oldsaltyalmost 2 years ago

    Fantastic closeup!Ive been trying for something like this all week down here with no luck!

  • Thanks oldsalty … I spend hours and hours out in the estuary and it’s just a combination of luck, lighting and settings I reckon!

    – byronbackyard

  • trish725
    trish725almost 2 years ago

    Beautiful capture! The strength in those talons must be enormous!!!

  • Thanks Trish, those talons are just awesome!

    – byronbackyard

  • Hugh Fathers
    Hugh Fathersalmost 2 years ago

    Magnificent capture!! . . .

  • CanyonWind
    CanyonWindalmost 2 years ago

  • Jenny Dean
    Jenny Deanalmost 2 years ago

    nice shot! your bird pic’s are amazing!

  • Thanks so much, I’m pretty obsessed and passionate, it makes me happy!

    – byronbackyard

  • Macky
    Mackyalmost 2 years ago

    Very dramatic, congrats on your feature!!

  • Many thanks!

    – byronbackyard

  • Laura Retyi
    Laura Retyialmost 2 years ago

    This is certainly one fabulous capture….Laura

  • Many thanks for your kind comment!

    – byronbackyard

  • Teresa Burnett
    Teresa Burnettalmost 2 years ago

    June 22, 2010

  • Thanks heaps Teresa, very happy making!

    – byronbackyard

  • Teresa Burnett
    Teresa Burnettalmost 2 years ago

    YOu’re very welcome Byron