Coming In Low And Fast

Last week I was watching this osprey as it hunted for fish above the marsh pond. Often the osprey will dive almost straight down feet first into the water in it’s attempt to snag a fish. This one though, tried a slightly different technique…coming in low and fast just above the surface of the water torpedo bomber style.

By the time the osprey came out of the water and I managed to catch back up with the bird as it was gaining altitude further across the pond… I could see it caught no fish on this attempt. Still, the technique appeared to be a solid method that I’m sure will result in many successful catches for this amazing bird of prey.

59 thoughts on “Coming In Low And Fast”

Steve Gingold on August 19, 2013 at 5:35 pm said:

Great actions/flight/landing shots, Phil. I really like the feet extended just above the water..talons at the ready. Too bad it came up empty but I agree it is only a matter of time.

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on August 19, 2013 at 6:13 pm said:
  
  Thanks very much Steve, and yes this bird will not starve, it is an excellent hunter with nice flying form. 🙂
  
  Reply ↓
pixelspielerei on August 19, 2013 at 5:38 pm said:

He will still improve his fishing method, and then you get something from his prey! I’m sure! 😛

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on August 19, 2013 at 6:13 pm said:
  
  He will catch his share of prey and bring home a nice fish snack to Mrs. O! 🙂
  
  Reply ↓
Simone Lipscomb on August 19, 2013 at 5:38 pm said:

nice

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on August 19, 2013 at 6:14 pm said:
  
  Thanks very much for checking these out.
  
  Reply ↓
Deb W. Trotter on August 19, 2013 at 5:38 pm said:

Wow, really marvelous photos of an amazing bird! (You’re sure there’s nothing in its talons in the last shot?)

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on August 19, 2013 at 6:15 pm said:
  
  Thank you Deb, glad to hear you liked these osprey photos! No, he came up empty on that attempt, and also got nothing on one other splashdown I saw him make. Next time…
  
  Reply ↓
HansHB on August 19, 2013 at 5:43 pm said:

Awesome flight-shot! Osprey in norwegian is “fiskeørn”. (Fishing eagle)

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on August 19, 2013 at 6:16 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much Hans I’m happy you enjoyed these osprey pics! That’s a very good Norwegian name I’m going to remember that.
  
  Reply ↓
Gunta on August 19, 2013 at 5:43 pm said:

The shot with the talons extended is absolutely amazing. What great timing!

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on August 19, 2013 at 6:17 pm said:
  
  Thanks a bunch, so glad you enjoyed that pic I think it really helped make the series.
  
  Reply ↓
Andrew on August 19, 2013 at 9:00 pm said:

Nice Osprey shots Phil. I wonder what the strike rate is?

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on August 20, 2013 at 1:53 pm said:
  
  I saw this one hit the water twice and strike out both times. I was watching some over the ocean yesterday that had some success but it must not be very easy especially when the fish see the bird coming.
  
  Reply ↓
norasphotos4u on August 19, 2013 at 9:06 pm said:

Amazing captures!

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on August 20, 2013 at 1:53 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much, glad you like them!
  
  Reply ↓
Garden Walk Garden Talk on August 19, 2013 at 9:25 pm said:

Wow. I am really amazed at your photos. I was recently to a bird sanctuary that had nesting Osprey, but where they hunt is too far for my lens. My flight images are all of them flying away too, not any coming in. You photos are outstanding. Why does this Osprey have an orange/red eye? I looked at your other photos and they are yellow like I am used to seeing.

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on August 20, 2013 at 1:56 pm said:
  
  I was at the beach yesterday and one came out of the water flying right toward me with a nice fish in it’s talons, naturally I had no camera but it was cool to see. I think the eye color might depend on the age of the bird and how the sun hits the eye. I have photos where the eyes look orange and some where they are yellow.
  Thanks for checking these out.
  
  Reply ↓
Kitt Crescendo on August 19, 2013 at 9:57 pm said:

Wow! Totally awesome.

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on August 20, 2013 at 1:56 pm said:
  
  Hey thanks a million!
  
  Reply ↓
adinparadise on August 19, 2013 at 10:19 pm said:

Fabulous pics, Phil. He really looks focused and so determined. 🙂

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on August 20, 2013 at 1:57 pm said:
  
  Thanks very much Sylvia! He wasn’t fooling around but I also bet he was not happy to come up empty on that strafing run.
  
  Reply ↓
Charlie@Seattle Trekker on August 19, 2013 at 10:45 pm said:

Those are really hard shots to get, great job.

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on August 20, 2013 at 1:57 pm said:
  
  Thanks much Charlie I appreciate that.
  
  Reply ↓
Rick Alonzo Photography on August 19, 2013 at 11:18 pm said:

Awesome sequence! Great job. Difficult to pull off.

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on August 20, 2013 at 1:58 pm said:
  
  Thank you Rick I’m glad you enjoyed these photos. I try to let the osprey do all the work and I just click the camera. 🙂
  
  Reply ↓
janmasyn on August 19, 2013 at 11:51 pm said:

Really great action shots Phil.

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on August 20, 2013 at 1:58 pm said:
  
  Thanks Jan so glad you enjoyed those photos.
  
  Reply ↓
edithlevyphotography on August 20, 2013 at 12:00 am said:

Incredible images Phil.

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on August 20, 2013 at 1:58 pm said:
  
  I’m very happy you liked them Edith!
  
  Reply ↓
niasunset on August 20, 2013 at 1:21 am said:

It is great captured, his flight/actions… Fascinated me as always… Thank you dear Phil, love, nia

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on August 20, 2013 at 1:59 pm said:
  
  Thank you so much Nia I am very happy you enjoyed the osprey photos!
  
  Reply ↓
pviette on August 20, 2013 at 3:40 am said:

Phil, I’m a chatterbox but these photo’s leave me completely speechless. No chance you coming to Belgium to teach, I suppose ? (Deep sigh) they’re gorgeous, Phil. Patricia.

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on August 20, 2013 at 2:01 pm said:
  
  Well I greatly appreciate your very kind words Patricia. Probably won’t be in Belgium any time soon but thanks for thinking of me! 🙂
  
  Reply ↓
Björn Törngren on August 20, 2013 at 5:20 am said:

Impressive!

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on August 20, 2013 at 2:02 pm said:
  
  I appreciate you looking and commenting, thanks!
  
  Reply ↓
meyer23 on August 20, 2013 at 8:37 am said:

Fantastic shots. Very impressive pics. The third is my favorite.

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on August 20, 2013 at 2:02 pm said:
  
  Thanks for your kind comments and that third photo is my favorite as well!
  
  Reply ↓
Pride in Photos Photography on August 20, 2013 at 8:52 am said:

Your capture with him putting on the brakes☺ I am laughing so hard….awesome job my friend!

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on August 20, 2013 at 2:03 pm said:
  
  Well I’m very happy you enjoyed these osprey photos and really appreciate you checking them out! Thanks much. 🙂
  
  Reply ↓
Scott Marshall on August 20, 2013 at 2:12 pm said:

mindblowing stuff

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on August 21, 2013 at 4:28 pm said:
  
  Thanks a million Scott
  
  Reply ↓
The Dancing Rider on August 20, 2013 at 6:19 pm said:

What a beauty. Love that semi-water landing. 🙂

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on August 21, 2013 at 4:29 pm said:
  
  These birds are experts at what they do and it’s always a thrill to watch them!
  
  Reply ↓
Judy on August 20, 2013 at 7:51 pm said:

I love this series.

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on August 21, 2013 at 4:29 pm said:
  
  I’m really happy to hear that Judy!
  
  Reply ↓
Cowboys and Crossbones on August 21, 2013 at 12:04 pm said:

I’m always amazed at your talent as a photographer. Love the shot where he’s putting on the brakes!

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on August 21, 2013 at 4:30 pm said:
  
  I really appreciate your kind comments and that’s my fave as well!
  
  Reply ↓
Paula on August 21, 2013 at 1:40 pm said:

Phil, I have a question for you. Do you get notification in the form of a pingback if someone recommends your blog in their post? I have recently done so, and I expected the lady that runs the challenge to pay you a visit to tell you that, but it seems you were never notified. I have also left you a comment regarding that some time ago, but you never replied. I am sorry if you are too overwhelmed with the traffic. Had I known this, I would never do such a thing. Paula

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on August 21, 2013 at 4:32 pm said:
  
  I’m really not sure to tell you the truth Paula, I have seen some pingbacks in the past I believe, but was not sure if there was something I was supposed to do. I’m perfectly fine and appreciate if anyone ever wants to recommend my blog in any way, and would be happy to follow through if some further action on my part is required.
  
  Reply ↓
  - Paula on August 21, 2013 at 4:34 pm said:
    
    I was really upset earlier due to some mess up, and a person that runs a challenge I have decided to abandon. I hate insincerity of any kind and have been lead to believe they are acting as they are saying. My apologies for the harsh tone.
    
    Reply ↓
    - Phil Lanoue on August 22, 2013 at 12:28 pm said:
      
      Oh you are fine Paula, no worries at all. I would just feel bad if anyone thought I might be ignoring them. I try to keep on top of stuff here but realize there are times when things might slip by. But always great to see you here! 😀
      
      Reply ↓
      - Paula on August 22, 2013 at 1:21 pm said:
        
        Thank you, Phil 🙂
        
        Reply ↓
foxleylady on August 22, 2013 at 5:42 am said:

One of my favourite birds, Phil – such breathtaking pictures! Thank you!

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on August 22, 2013 at 12:24 pm said:
  
  I’m very happy you enjoyed these Maggie!
  
  Reply ↓
Chillbrook on August 22, 2013 at 10:48 am said:

Wonderful images Phil. I haven’t been doing so well keeping up with my likes and comments with all the WordPress issues I’ve been having but I do stop by everyday. How could I not, your work is amazing. 🙂

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on August 22, 2013 at 12:25 pm said:
  
  I so greatly appreciate your visits Adrian and your very kind comments. Hopefully your WP issues get resolved. I was missing your posts quite a bit.
  
  Reply ↓
TheForagingPhotographer on August 22, 2013 at 6:49 pm said:

WOW! Absolutely stunning Phil!

Reply ↓
Molly Argo on August 25, 2013 at 11:40 pm said:

Amazing captures of this amazing bird!

Reply ↓