Got Wet, But Didn’t Get A Fish
This past weekend I was watching an osprey hunting fish in the marsh pond. At one point he dove down and hit the water hard and it took him a couple of seconds to begin to emerge. At first only his head and wings came up as he struggled to get airborne again. I expected to see a fish in his talons but as the osprey cleared the water I saw that he came up empty this time. The osprey had only wet feathers to show for this dive, and I can’t be certain, but it seemed to me that he had a look of disgust on his face as he took off out of the water.
Phil Lanoue Photography 
WOW. I can’t decide what photo I like best – maybe the 2nd for its artistic composition and prefectly splashed water drops in the air, but the rest of the pics show his face and peeveness even better. Inspiring to watch. Thank you 🙂
Thanks very much Paula, I’m actually glad you have a tough time picking a favorite. 😀
Stunning sequence Phil. Gives you some idea of the immense power and strength it must take to get airborn again from a dive like this, even more so with a heavy fish in tow. Incredible.
All this poor osprey got out of this dive was very wet and very annoyed. Even in the first photo he looks rather disgusted.
Another fine series, Phil. The look of determination on the Osprey’s face defined by those strong orange yellow eyes is riveting. I guess even a superior predator like this whiffs occasionally.
Thanks very much Steve, and yes even this experienced hunters strike out on occasion. I bet they feel even worse when they do get a fish and the eagle takes it.
A great look at the fishing process and how really into the water the bird gets. It does seem that lift off would take great effort from the water like that. The eyes really have it in this series too!!
I was bit surprised myself how deep into the water they get on a dive. Sure looks like it took major effort to haul his wet self out of there and get back in the air.
Lui non ha beccato niente, ma tu invece sei andato alla grande. Wowwwwwwww che scatti fantastici Phil, io sono un po’ invidiosa delle tue foto 😛
Ciao, Pat
Grazie Pat! 🙂
Definitely a look of disgust! and who can blame him?
Oh yeah, even in the very first photo he looks totally disgusted. Not a good day for this top predator.
The osprey looks beyond PEEVED! I first thought he looked like what Teddy would if I thew him into the bathtub. And he didn’t even get to eat after all of that wet work?!
Funny I had thoughts of a very annoyed wet cat too when I looked at these, except these guys have even longer and sharper claws. Not good to be around one if it’s very mad at you.
As usual, you took great shots!. I didn’t realize the Osprey went right under water like that. I thought they just put their talons in and grabbed. He’s probably hoping the eagle didn’t see this incident, so he can be teased about it. lol
I’m betting the eagle was up there somewhere smirking about this swing and miss.
Glad you liked the shots!
Wow. I’ve never even seen photos of an osprey that deep in the water before.
It happens so fast I didn’t realize how it has to right itself and start the extraction and takeoff process being mostly under the water. That’s got to take some energy I’m thinking.
A great series of action shots! I’ve wondered how often this happens. That looks like one grouchy osprey in the last photo!
I think they miss fairly frequently but not sure how often they get almost totally under water.
Thanks for looking Lee!
What amazing captures, Phil. Those wings are absolutely huge! 🙂
Thanks Sylvia, glad you liked these. The first time I ever saw an osprey hit the water right in front of me and the huge splash, then those massive wings come out I realized that is a good size bird!
Poor thing! It must be such a struggle if an osprey gets waterlogged. Brilliant pictures, Phil!
I felt bad for him too. And he was waterlogged. Look at that wet tail in the last photo!
These are incredible! Hard to believe he can recover so quickly ! Thanks for sharing as ever Phil.
I’m thrilled you enjoyed these osprey shots, thanks!
It’s amazing how deep they go in sometimes. He might have just been taking a bath. Love the way you made those orange eyes pop.
The whole sequence from circle to hover to dive and splash was quite a sight.
I don’t believe I have seen an osprey just taking a bath, eagles yes, but not osprey.
This bird did have some bright eyes for sure.
He looks annoyed/embarrassed!! Poor guy. Great photos, Phil.
Yes he sure does look both those things! Poor guy is right. He left soon after this too.
Great action shots Phil.
Thanks for checking them out Jan.
Wow. I can imagine that the force with which the osprey hits the water is pretty substantial–it’s no wonder that he might be a little shook up for a second. You really convey well the power and the beauty of this amazing bird (and a sense of frustration, in this case).
The first time I ever saw an osprey hit the water right in front of me and the huge splash, then those massive wings come out I realized how big and powerful these birds really are!
Felt sorry he missed the fish though.
Thanks Mike.
Now that is truly amazing!!! I would never think they could get back out of the water with the wings that wet.
I was a bit surprised as well Erv, that osprey was totally water logged. Look at his wet tail in that last photo! 😯
I am awed!
I appreciate you looking and commenting Twila, thanks much!
Just beautiful, all of them!
Thank you very much so glad you enjoyed these!
Great , great , great!
I appreciate that very much thank you!
The first one really funny, made me laugh… but how great all these shots… How I love your photography with them… Everything happens in minutes there and you took all moments by your camera. You are amazing dear Phil. Thank you, love, nia
I greatly appreciate all your very kind words Nia and I’m so happy you enjoy seeing these photos!
Well, maybe next time.
The photos are great! I love the action shots!
Yes there is always a next time and he will be back.
Thanks very much, so glad you enjoyed these photos!