A sequence of high speed shots of what the Osprey does best. For this, the sixth and final post of this series (Click me for the first post, “Endless Searching“), we follow the bird in a dramatic plummet into the surf until it rises, catch in claws.
Click Me for “Florida” in my Fine Art Galleries.
“All Elements In Place”
Late morning of January 20, 2019 I headed out with the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III mounted with the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L USM lens for handheld shots. Many elements aligned for these shots: weather, equipment, placement among them. The angle of the sun at 11:21 am was not optimal, but the cloud cover made up for it.
Click any photograph for a larger view.

Commitment
The dive impact happens in less than 2 seconds.



The Strike
Less than one second from point of impact until emgergence and flight.


Arise


Great capture!
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Thanks for visiting and your compliment. Most appreciated!!
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I often see ospreys diving for fish in our bay; your series of captures is great. I couldn’t understand how they could do it without getting hurt, and I finally learned that they dive with their feet thrust forward on either side of their head, allowing them to keep the fish in sight throughout the dive. Since their feet hit the water first, that cuts through the water’s surface and helps to protect the head. And they don’t need noseplugs! Their nostrils close to keep the water out.
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Great facts, shoreacres. The series of photographs illustrate some of your insights, notably the extension of talons.
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Wonderful photos and beautiful dive by the Osprey. With a flick of the feather they can control
directions.
Man learned to fly by studying birds.
Miriam
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With this I am leaving to explore another kind of flying, from the ground.
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Those talons must be razor-sharp! Great shots! 🙂
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Thanks, Tom. Osprey are large, strong birds everywhere admired.
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Amazing sequence!
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Thanks for the compliment, Anne, and for reading.
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I had no idea that Ospreys hunted over the sea as well as lochs and lakes! I guess it depends on the conditions!
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Osprey are flexible, breathing air and, from this sequence, in the water for seconds at a time. Highly successful with a world-wide range. Thanks for reading, Emma.
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You capture the most amazing moments! These are beautiful.
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Great memories for me….good to hear from you Kymber. Thanks for reading / commenting.
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Excellent photos
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Your compliment is appreciated, thank you!!
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What a great capture! Amazing photo sequence. 🙂
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Loved doing it…thanks for visiting and your comment D Wallace.
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OMG! How did I miss this one? haha
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Thanks for stopping by, Jessica.
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The last photo really caught my attention. The osprey caught in motion above the crashing surf, all on a beautiful and day.
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These are my favorite activities. Walking and observing nature.
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Amazing sequence of shots! Beautiful!
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I’ve yet to top them, Janet.
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That was a spectacular series, Michael! Good catch!
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I never tire of watching Osprey at work. This year I came upon one taking a bath.
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