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.
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.
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.
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.