Head First

[Bill Dix]

I've always liked the way Ospreys position their fish facing head first when they fly. I've assumed it was for aerodynamic reasons. Looking at this frame, I wonder if they also do it so that when they perch, the bird is properly oriented so they can devour the head first.

From a slow-moving skiff among the Ten Thousand Islands of Florida, not long before sunset. The late afternoon light provided for some good feather detail. I particularly like the fleur-de-lis pattern on his forehead.

D500, Sigma 150-600C @ 600mm; ISO 2000, 1/2500s @ f/7.1 manual. Hand held.

[David Roach]

Love the dappled BG, the perch is killer, the EXP, the FFD, the pose, HA and those eyes... No nits here... TFS

[dankearl]

Superb details...perch , BG, checks every box.
I get them rarely with the head still on the fish.
Only right after they catch one, I have seen them bite the head off in the air a lot of times.

[John Mack]

Nice view of the osprey and the half eaten fish. Background is nice as well.

[Dorian Anderson]

Wasn't sure what this was going do for me when I clicked on the thumb, but this is a really nice result once I set it full size! Fantastic eye contact, very sharp, and the fish and perch add additional interest. If you could move the bird left to give him more room in front than behind it would make this really money.

[Geoffrey Montagu]

Very nicely captured, Bill. Love that intense look, and fine detail. Quite sure Dorian meant right. It might look a bit better if he was moved to the right a little.

Geoffrey





http://500px.com/geoffreymontagu (http://500px.com/geoffreymontagu)

[Jack Backs]

Nice backdrop. Tack sharp. Agreed, needs a little more room in front of the bird.

[Bill Dix]

Thank you all. Here's a version with a bit more room on the left.

[Mike Poole]

Nailed all the details here Bill, lovely light and a great Osprey angry stare!

Mike