This is truly incredible video. I can't believe this Osprey got 5-6 fish at a time, then got a flounder
under 3' of water, and then made off with what looks to be a 5+ lb. steel head.
I've never seen a bird shake water off like a dog does.
There are 3 sequences in this one video:
1st sequence he catches half a dozen fish in one strike.
2nd sequence he plunges talons into deep water right to the bottom to grab his prey.
3rd sequence he captures a big old fat fish that looks as if it weighs more than he does!
This is incredible to watch (best viewed in full screen mode)...enjoy.
-Montanasmama
Osprey are common here on the Chesapeake - I once watched one perched up on an old dead tree at the edge of the water, then he just folded wings and fell beak first from at least 70' up. No flapping, no noise - just a dead drop. He came out with his target (probably a perch, given location/size).
ReplyDeleteThey are brilliant to watch.
K
OH. HELL. YES!
ReplyDeleteThat's one of the most amazing films I've ever seen.
That's pretty amazing. I've never seen an osprey do that, but have seen plenty of bald eagles scoop fish up off the water. When we were shrimping, we used to toss fish from the trawl back over the side and the eagles would come and scoop them up. Had 70-80 following the boat at one time. If a gull crabbed a fish the eagles would also mug it and and make it drop it. Anchoring in the islands in Barkley Sound one night there were at least half a dozen eagles in every tree, everywhere you looked.
ReplyDeleteNote also toward the end of the film a perfect demonstration of the somewhat unique way the Osprey will orient the fish for minimal wind resistance in flight by staggering it's grip and spreading it's legs.
ReplyDeleteSome days you're the bird. Some days you're the fish.
ReplyDelete