Calling Ahead by byronbackyard
byronbackyard

Calling Ahead by

Ospreys hunt for fish on the wing (less often from a perch), flapping and gliding 10 to 40 meters above the water. When an osprey spots a fish, it hovers briefly, then dives toward the surface of the water. Just before hitting the water, the osprey swings its legs forward and bends its wings back, plunging feet-first into the water. The osprey uses strong, almost horizontal wing beats to lift itself and its prey from the water. Once airborne, the osprey rearranges the fish in its feet, carrying it with one foot in front of the other so that the fish is facing forward. This position presumably makes the fish more aerodynamic, and easier to carry. The osprey then takes the fish to a perch, often near the nest, to eat.
Ospreys catch fish on 24 to 74% of their dives. This success rate is affected by individual ability, weather and tide.
Canon 50D, 150-500mm F5-6.3 APO DG OS

Featured In: Amazing Wildlife
Absolute Clarity
The Best Of Red Bubble
Through the Eye of the Lens
The Birds

Let Animals Stay Free

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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

osprey, pandion haliaetus, raptor, australian, bird of prey, fishing hawk, sunset, byron bay

Comments

  • Angie66
    Angie668 months ago

    beautiful work

  • Many thanks Angie!

    – byronbackyard

  • DIZZYHEIGHTS
    DIZZYHEIGHTS8 months ago

    Great work Deb. Clean image. Liz

  • Many thanks Liz!

    – byronbackyard

  • LisaMM
    LisaMM8 months ago

    Magnificent.

  • Many thanks Lisa!

    – byronbackyard

  • DeeZ (D L Honeycutt)
    DeeZ (D L Hone...8 months ago


    Wings and Fins Collection
    October 16, 2011

  • Many thanks Darlene, very happy making!

    – byronbackyard

  • AngieDavies
    AngieDavies8 months ago

    Stunning actions shot, great sky!

  • Many thanks Angie!

    – byronbackyard

  • Rhenastarr
    Rhenastarr8 months ago

    Congrats on your well earned feature. An awesome shot.

  • Many thanks for your kind comment!

    – byronbackyard

  • KatMagic Photography
    KatMagic Photo...8 months ago

    Beautifully captured… you do these so well… Not only that stunning raptor but the sky is incredible also… great information too. Wonder what on earth goes through the mind of a poor Osprey-captured fish….sounds pretty grim…. amazing the way the Osprey rearranges the fish for easier carrying…

  • Many thanks for your kind comment KatMagic, better killing a fish fast than another animal/bird slowly I think!

    – byronbackyard

  • czanti
    czanti8 months ago

    Wow…great shot

  • Many thanks for your kind comment Cindy!

    – byronbackyard

  • Betsy  Seeton
    Betsy Seeton8 months ago

    Another beautiful capture. I like what everyone has said especially KatMagic.

  • Many thanks for your kind comment!

    – byronbackyard

  • Magaret Meintjes
    Magaret Meintjes8 months ago

    1 Image per day 2011/10/16