Osprey

Posted April 17, 2024

Fascinating Aerial Acrobats

Osprey can spot a fish just under the water’s surface, then dive into the water to capture an unsuspecting trout with its  needle sharp talons.

Osprey reappear in early spring and claim their nests throughout the Front Range, usually near lakes or slow moving rivers. 

Osprey patrol a pond from around 50-60 feet waiting for a fish to appear close to the surface. They can also hover in place for a short period, similar to a hummingbird. Once a fish is spotted, the action is quick⏤especially during the last ten or fifteen feet of a dive. Osprey share the ponds with Bald Eagles, Great Blue Herons, and White Pelicans, along with a wide variety of smaller birds, muskrats and even mink.

I have to admit, I love seeing an Osprey take a fish, however I know it will be finished hunting for at least a couple of hours. Luckily for photographers, not all dives result in a catch, so the same Osprey may splash into a lake several times before scoring a fish. Either way, it is fun photography.