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

osprey, pandion haliaetus, raptor, australian, bird of prey, fishing hawk, sunset, byron bay
Comments
beautiful work
Many thanks Angie!
– byronbackyard
Great work Deb. Clean image. Liz
Many thanks Liz!
– byronbackyard
Magnificent.
Many thanks Lisa!
– byronbackyard
Wings and Fins Collection
October 16, 2011
Many thanks Darlene, very happy making!
– byronbackyard
Stunning actions shot, great sky!
Many thanks Angie!
– byronbackyard
Congrats on your well earned feature. An awesome shot.
Many thanks for your kind comment!
– byronbackyard
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
Wow…great shot
Many thanks for your kind comment Cindy!
– byronbackyard
Another beautiful capture. I like what everyone has said especially KatMagic.
Many thanks for your kind comment!
– byronbackyard
1 Image per day 2011/10/16