You know those times where you see something really cool or rare and say to yourself, "Self! You should have brought your camera!" Today I had one of those moments but alas! I had my camera!
I was sitting at the Oliver beach with Layla and Baron when I noticed a hawk circling above. At least I think it was a hawk, you can correct me if I'm wrong. I started to reach for my camera when it nose dived towards the lake.
The huge bird disappeared into Tuc El Nuit lake only to emerge moments later with a fish in his claws.
I looked around at everyone else on the beach and in the lake and realized Layla and I had been the only ones to see it! Their loss, I guess. At least I captured some photos to share with you!
that's so cool!
ReplyDeleteThat was wild, I wish I would have been there. Now I do believe that bird of prey you captured with your photo lens was a golden eagle.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots!
Greg
That's so great that you got those pictures. We should all keep our camera handy, you never know when a photo op is going to present itself. Way to go Mary.
ReplyDeleteAwesome photos!
ReplyDeleteMickey
I don't know, you guys. My money's on osprey. I looked it up and the osprey has light underparts with the dark banding where the golden eagle is mostly just dark. That's my guess.
ReplyDeleteJQ
Yes, so it's final then. That bird is an osprey. Thanks JQ. - Mary
ReplyDeleteDefinitely an eagle. Very spectacular as are all your recent posts, Thanks.
ReplyDeleteLucky you to capture that. The bird is an Bald Eagle from what I can see. They are famous for that dive to catch their prey. Quite something to get it for all to see. There is a Hancock Wildlife Foundation here in BC that would probably love looking at those shots. They also have Live Cams that you can watch in Spring etc. to see the Eagles up close and watch them in their nests with the eggs and then the new eaglets. Here's the address:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.hancockwildlife.org/staticpages/index.php/2007080118150553
Guys and gals, there is no question. That bird is an osprey. Eagles don't normally plunge head first into the water. They use their enormous claws to clasp the fish where as osprey will tuck into a tight pocket and plunge into the water like a missile. Fish, even in deeper water are not safe from these amazing predators.
ReplyDeleteNot to start a debate about a picture, which is stunning by the way, but the shape of the bird, the length of its neck and shape of its head make ideal dive bombers. Eagles are impressive creatures but falcons and ospreys is where my money is in this situation. I'll be there in couple days and I'll keep my eye open in hopes to see a repeat of your opportune photo shoot, Ms national geographic!
We live by Tuc El Nuit lake and witness the Eagles , Osprey, and a vast variety of predatory birds take fish off the lake and quite often rest on the telephone poles in front of the house to eat there catch. Others just head off to there nest to feed there young. My neighbor got a great picture of an osprey eating a carp on the telephone pole. Little wonder people from all parts of our great country are relocating here.
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures you managed to take by the way. Pretty sure it's an Osprey.
Yes it is osprey there are lots here other name turkey valcher
ReplyDelete