Wild Species
The Osprey
I shot the photo of this male Osprey along the shores of Chain Lakes in southern Alberta. I also see them along the Bow in Calgary. Most Ospreys that nest in Alberta migrate in spring from wintering sites in Latin America and the northern part of South America.
When an Osprey spots a fish from the air, it hovers at a height of 10 to 30 m until the fish is in a suitable position. Then, in a dramatic performance, the bird, huge yet wonderfully light, dives from the sky with its wings half closed and claws stretched forward, and disappears under the surface in a great spray of water, usually reappearing a few seconds later with a fish firmly clutched in its claws. The Osprey carries its catch headfirst in flight, using both feet to hold all but the smallest fishes.
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