Birds of Prey

[Bob G]

On Tuesday afternoon I finally found the tree where this Osprey sits to enjoy it's catch. I have been watching it fly along the waterfront near Coolum for some time. It usually disappears around the corner into the trees. Anyway I tried to track it down on Tuesday and found it in this dead tree over the cliff face and looking down on the rocky foreshore.
Managed to get quite a few shots.
The shutter noise attracted the birds attention in this particular frame.

Comments welcome:
http://BobG.smugmug.com/photos/336495898_FbVnP-L.jpg

[Mil0002]

amazing capture, so clear, where was this?

[woolly]

Great shot Bob! Sharp with a good depth of field.

I wonder if this bird has an injured talon, or is it "to the side" because it is not needed?

What camera/lens did you use for this capture?

[Helen]

Stunning, Bob. You've captured this fellow/fella perfect with its prey. :D

My second favourite raptor, beaten out marginally by the White-breasted sea eagle. :)

[Bob G]

Great shot Bob! Sharp with a good depth of field.

I wonder if this bird has an injured talon, or is it "to the side" because it is not needed?

What camera/lens did you use for this capture?

"Upon spotting a fish near the surface of the water, the Osprey will hover almost directly above and then dive almost vertically towards the fish. At the last moment before impact with the water, the Osprey thrusts its talons forward to snatch the fish. The Osprey is often fully immersed in the water and must struggle to break free of the water and lift the heavy fish into the air.The Osprey’s talons are specially adapted to allow one of its three front toes to bend backwards so that there are two claws pointing forward and two in reverse on each foot. This helps to secure a good grip on a slippery fish. Scrupulous in maintaining its aerodynamic profile, the Osprey adjusts the fish in its grip as soon as it clears the water so that the fish’s head is forward and the tail aft."

THis pic was taken using a Nikon D3 DSLR with a 500mm f4 lens and 1.4 teleconverter.

Thanks for asking and thanks for you comments.

Cheers

[Bob G]

amazing capture, so clear, where was this?

Taken just South of Coolum on the Sunshine Coast, Qld.

[Dragonfly..shotz]

Brilliant Capture! What an amazing sight and didn't know that about their talons, great shot Bob!

[wallyir]

Stunning image!. Wally

[Stu]

Great shot, superb detail.
Interesting facts about the Osprey too.:)

[cazzaritch]

Brilliant shot, so sharp.

[Rob Smith]

Great shot Bob. Never been able to get close to one of these guys. Well done & beautiful image

[cudex]

fantastic capture!

[dannog]

WOW great shot!

[woolly]

I'm in no way hijacking Bob's thread, besides how could you better that shot!

But yesterday I was taking some shots of my son surfing, and this guy flew by with breakfast well and truly gripped in his talons. I have no idea what type of bird it is, as it was there and gone in a matter of moments. I doubt it is osprey, but they are known to be in the area. Probably more of a sea eagle..

Anyways, I thought he was worth a look, so if you don't mind Bob, may I throw him in here? A great shot my no means, but shows how these fellow operate.

http://i321.photobucket.com/albums/nn370/woollmeister/raptor.jpg

[Helen]

Rob, looks like you've also captured yourself an Osprey. :cool: