Magic Moments by byronbackyard
I’m sure this is Bella, the juvenile from last years breeding season. I watched her catch a fish and then, to my infinite joy, she brought it over to within a few feet of me and ate it.
Ospreys are unusual among raptors for being piscivores. Their diet consists almost exclusively of fish. They are generally opportunistic, and will eat whatever fish species are accessible to them – either in shallow waters, or near the surface of deeper waters. They hunt for fish on the wing (less often from a perch), flapping and gliding 10 to 40 meters above the water.
Canon 50D, EF70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
Comments
Awesome capture .
Many thanks, almost unbelievably lucky … I’m sure it’s a juvenile from last year who knows me!
– byronbackyard
A wonderful series of images and fascinating commentary.
j
Thanks so much Jesika, it was so special!
– byronbackyard
17 June 2011 – 1 image per day
Excellent capture !
Thanks Trish, a gift from the universe!
– byronbackyard
A terrific capture Deb. Did it know you were there when it landed so close?
Yep she knew I was there and I kept slowly getting even closer and she didn’t mind at all … I’m sure she remembered me as she didn’t even scream at me. They usually do if you’re getting too close!
– byronbackyard
It gives you a buzz doesn’t it!
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Many thanks Ray, she’s so beautiful … very happy making when other people think she is too!
– byronbackyard
I thought I had commented on this great shot, Deb. Maybe I forgot to press the save button. I like that you have given “your birds” names. It certainly personalizes the experience. While I have not seen “my bird” with prey other than fish, I heard from another RB photographer who described seeing an osprey eating a bird.
Thanks David … as for the Osprey eating a bird, that definitely wasn’t me, I don’t think Osprey eat anything other than fish! Let me know though if there’s someone who’s seen that, I’d be surprised as they are piscivores!
– byronbackyard
Curious about the diet question, I did some surfing, and found several sites stating the diet is “mostly” fish, and then read the Wikipedia article, which has many Australian references, by the way (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osprey#Diet) that states:Occasionally, the Osprey may prey on rodents, rabbits, hares, amphibians, other birds,33 and small reptiles.34 I am going to watch “my guy” closely for any prey that doesn’t look very fishy.