osprey fishing

Tag

By Mom Osprey Fishing

Jordan Lake Dam, Haw River:

Set!

Strike! Note: she has quickly flicked her nictitating membrane over her eye as protection.

Hold on!

Head for Home!

Mom osprey on a successful fishing pass within the riprap.

By Brilliant Brooch

Jordan Lake Dam, Haw River: Mom Osprey got herself a fish this morning. She hit the water, grabbed the fish and was gone out over the dam almost before I knew she was there! The glittering sunshine sure made her a brilliant brooch against the river.

By Big Catch!

Jordan Lake Dam, Haw River, Friday, August 7, 2020.  The Haw River within the riprap was full of striped bass.  The ospreys were feasting!  This male osprey made quite a large catch.  To my eye it seemed that there was as much fish as there was bird as the osprey flew past.

By Jordan Lake: Not 1, But 2 Fish at the Same Time!

Not One but TWO! Yes, two fish at the same time. One in each talon. The osprey tried hard to hold onto both fish, but, one got away; you can see the fish drop away. I believe this is a subadult male – about 2-years-old – and still without a mate. As strong and determined as he is, he probably won’t have trouble finding a suitable mate late next winter. WOW! Two at Once!!!

By Jordan Lake: Uh, Oh! Whose Fish is It?

Mom osprey was set to grab the fish and bolt for her nest.  The fledgling great blue heron, being very inexperienced, tried to get the fish too.  A mature great blue heron would not have made the attempt.  Mom osprey would not have challenged an adult great blue heron.  The fish won the face-off.  This time.