Yesterday's pics of a newly returned Osprey from one of the nests I monitor.
This thread is meant to be a bit informational regarding a hunting Osprey.
Osprey possess unique talon characteristics that enable them to dive into the water feet first with their third eyelid protecting their eyes, as they grasp onto their prey consisting almost exclusively of fish. An occasional snake, frog or small rodent sometime make the menu.
The special talons, toes if you will, four of them, two at the front and two at the rear of the foot, one of which articulates and enables them to turn the fish while in flight to face forward and allow for better aerodynamics. All four talons are curved more so than on other raptors, and they have tiny spines or “spicules” on the bottom that help them hang on to their catch. These talons can snap shut in 2/100 of a second. The head is the preferred delicacy and may not make it back to the dining area!
Osprey typically dive feet first from up to 60 feet above the water and on rare occasions will use a perch to launch from.
Observers often note their bobbing heads. This is how they stabilize their visual surroundings. I prefer to think they're acting cute!
Thank you for looking! Btw, Osprey are found on every continent with the exception of Antartica.
I heard you have a few in Palm City area!
DaveO wrote:
I heard you have a few in Palm City area!
Yes, I am going by there today
UTMike wrote:
Very nice, Dave.
Thanks, Mike, not much of a pic as I was more interested in putting out a little info on these guys. I began watching and monitoring them for Audubon after retiring and got into photography. I used photos for ID purposes and got carried away. For example, the young grow very quickly even before they fledge and it can be difficult to differentiate between adult and young. The young have blood red or orange eyes as opposed to older birds with yellow eyes. The young also have white specks visible on their back.
Lol, I even check out a couple nests in Yellowstone when I go! One is in Gardner Canyon and the other just before Lamar Canyon.
joemcl1 wrote:
Well done!
Thank you for looking at a headless fish!
Poor pics for examples, but nice to know info!
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