Fabulous Alfred. But a question- does the Osprey bring its wings back against its body just before it hits the water (ā la gannet) or does it go in as your image shows?
I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of that dive! Wow.
I am always amazed that the birds that dive into the water like this don't know themselves out. I have to image it does fold the wings in tighter at impact.
I guess we need faster motor drives, to test it out. Or, I am sorry to say, video?
Thanks for posting this shot. I don't think I have ever seen one quite like it.
It is interesting to me to note that the Osprey has completely different
technique compared to the Bald Eagle. The Osprey hits the water in high
impact, similar to what Gulls do, and then sits there for a short moment
before taking off with the catch.
The Bald Eagle only skims the water with the tallons and grabs the prey,
hardly even getting wet.