On The Hunt

Late this afternoon we had an osprey come flying in and circle the salt marsh a couple of times. The osprey clearly had his eye on something down there and I saw him hit the water twice but he never came up with a fish.

It was fun and interesting to see this large bird go into a hover mode, and then start the steep dive.

As it was leaving the area the osprey flew in close right over my head. So close I couldn’t fit all of him in my lens. 🙂

20 thoughts on “On The Hunt”

Patrizia M. on January 20, 2015 at 7:21 pm said:

Lo avevi proprio sopra alla testa, vicinissimo. Però le foto sono ugualmente belle!!
Saluti, Patrizia

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on January 20, 2015 at 8:29 pm said:
  
  Grazie Pat! 🙂
  
  Reply ↓
billbarberphoto on January 20, 2015 at 8:14 pm said:

Osprey are such interesting hunters to watch. Wonderful images here, Phil! Looks like he was missing a feather off his left wing. I have seen eagles wait for an osprey to catch a fish and then try to take the fish from the osprey.

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on January 20, 2015 at 8:28 pm said:
  
  Thanks for checking these out Bill and you are right, that osprey is definitely missing a primary feather on the left wing. That’s a pretty good size space there.
  I have seen the eagle go after the ospreys fish too.
  Had a couple posts about it.
  https://phillanoue.com/2013/11/05/whos-fish-is-it-anyway/
  https://phillanoue.com/2013/10/06/aerial-combat-2/
  https://phillanoue.com/2014/09/06/high-drama-at-the-marsh/
  
  Reply ↓
Pat on January 20, 2015 at 8:32 pm said:

Beautiful bird.

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on January 20, 2015 at 10:20 pm said:
  
  The osprey is a nice looking bird for sure. Thanks for looking.
  
  Reply ↓
mafaldaflima on January 21, 2015 at 5:25 am said:

Gorgeous!!

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on January 21, 2015 at 10:33 am said:
  
  The osprey really is a nice looking bird!
  
  Reply ↓
foxleylady on January 21, 2015 at 7:26 am said:

Oh you lucky man! Years ago, while on a boat in Loch Tay in Scotland, one flew low over our heads while hunting for fish. An incredible experience I have never forgotten! An awesome bird, thank you Phil!

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on January 21, 2015 at 10:34 am said:
  
  I was lucky to have this one fly in so close. I know it saw a fish, but tried twice and then left. Oh well the bald eagle was lurking nearby anyway.
  
  Reply ↓
Linda on January 21, 2015 at 9:44 am said:

Beautiful bird in flight…..georgous photo

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on January 21, 2015 at 10:35 am said:
  
  Thanks Linda it was great to see this cool bird.
  
  Reply ↓
anotherday2paradise on January 21, 2015 at 10:06 am said:

They are wonderful looking birds. I got one complete with sushi on Sanibel, a couple of days ago. 🙂

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on January 21, 2015 at 10:36 am said:
  
  Great you saw one with dinner! This guy tried twice but missed both times. I was surprised he was fishing right nearby me but that was the fun in it!
  
  Reply ↓
Raewyn's Photos on January 21, 2015 at 3:28 pm said:

Great captures. 😀

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on January 25, 2015 at 5:00 pm said:
  
  Well I’m very happy you enjoyed these, thanks!
  
  Reply ↓
Lyle Krahn on January 22, 2015 at 2:47 am said:

Amazing eyes you captured. They are ever alert!

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on January 25, 2015 at 5:01 pm said:
  
  If only there was some way to see the world the way they see it. I need glasses just to prevent me from walking into a wall.
  
  Reply ↓
The Lite Rider on January 22, 2015 at 5:10 pm said:

He definitely looks like he is focused on scouting. Maybe not on you though fortunately! GREAT closeup of this guy!

Reply ↓
- Phil Lanoue on January 25, 2015 at 5:01 pm said:
  
  He was definitely focused on getting dinner, but unfortunately he missed this time. Hope he found something later.
  
  Reply ↓