Yesterday's pics of a newly returned Osprey from one of the nests I monitor.
This pic 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 which consists 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 os 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!

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!

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!