Osprey Circle And Dive
This past week I was watching an osprey putting in a hard days work in the marsh pond. This is the typical behavior of a hunting osprey…it circles over an area until it spots something interesting in the water below. It then goes into a steep dive, hits the water, and hopefully comes up with a nice fish that it can take into a nearby tree.
Unfortunately the one part of the plan that often goes wrong is that part about catching a fish. It is a skillful and impressive technique that the osprey employs but… success is never guaranteed!
Phil Lanoue Photography 
I love the expression in the final photo–it looks like he is a little embarrassed by his lack of success. I think that he was hoping that nobody was watching.
I had the same thought. The eyes are very expressive in these shots. I like the look in the second one too. It seems to suggest, “Hey, look at that fish!”
I guess that makes three of us. That look in its eye was unmistakable. Fantastic shots.
I mostly liked these because I got the back of the bird on the diving shot, not a view I usually see. I’m glad you liked the shots.
He looked quite purposeful at first then not much at the end.
I believe you are right about that Mike, that’s how he looked to me as well.
Loooooove
Thanks much!
I agree with Mike… perhaps a touch of embarrassment, or maybe trying to stifle a cuss word?
I think both of those are entirely accurate.
Pity he doesn’t like vegetables. Looks like he gets his share of greenery.
Yes he picked up a bit of pond vegetation on that one dive.
Great action shots again Phil, excellent work.
Thank you very much Jan.
Però le tue foto sono un gran successo. Sono fantastiche Phil!!!
Ciao, Pat
Grazie Pat!
Fantastic action pictures, again, Phil! What can I see trailing from his foot?
Thanks so much Maggie and looks like he picked up a bit of pond vegetation on that one dive.
Never saw one dive in person Phil. We have them around the lake at work. But never around to see them dive. Thanks for sharing!
There are very cool to watch work the hunt Erv. Thank you for checking these out.
Great action shots, Phil. I love when they dive and make a big splash.
I never quite knew how huge a splash they make until one hit the water abut 20 feet from me! BIG splash!
Absolutely stunning!!!
Well I’m very happy you liked these thanks much!
Amazing shots, Phil. No matter how many birds you shoot and show us, there is always a different angle to be seen. It never repeats 🙂
Well I’m happy to hear you say you enjoy the various bird shots Paula. I always try to present different views of even similar activity, Keep things fresh. 🙂
Even without the desired success, I think it’s for the people very, very worth seeing! Your photos are showing that very impressive! ▲
I greatly appreciate your kind words thank you.
Poor, hungry guy! Hopefully he found something later in the day!
With the way things have been going lately for the ospreys, if this guy did catch something later an eagle likely came by and took it from him.
Who knew those beautiful eagles were such food bullies?!
Oh they can be plenty annoying!
exceptional, dramatic, stunning; great photos Phil!!
Thanks very much I greatly appreciate your kind comments!
As always, you do an exceptional job with your action pictures.
Well I greatly appreciate that Steve, thank you.
Great diving… he knows where to go… I am impressed so much. You did a great set again. Thank you, dear Phil, but I missed also your Mr.Alligator too 🙂 where is he? Love, nia
Thank you for looking at these photos Nia and I’m happy you like them!
Our friend Mr. Alligator has been away sleeping as the weather got colder. I may catch a quick look at him every once in a while though. 🙂
Beautiful shots, Phil. Pity he didn’t catch anything after all that effort. 😦
I feel bad for them when they put in all the effort and then get no fish but I feel worse for them when they get a fish and the eagle steals it. 😦
one does love Ospreys
We have had more osprey sightings lately so I’ve had the pleasure to watch them work quite frequently which is entertaining for sure.