Looking for Bad Guys...

Gallery: AvianPosted March 31, 2011183 views8 comments

Was tracking this Osprey with fish and noticed it turned its head upward. There were no other birds of prey around, but it checked out the airspace anyway.
It also closed the nictitating membrane on this eye. Wonder why?

D3s 300mm 1.4tc f/5.6 1/4000

Comments

8 comments

Comment posted by Luke Ormand on March 31, 2011 at 2:21 PM

Wayne,

I've seen this in other birds as well as Ospreys - it's just shaking the water off from the dive (you can see the droplets flying off). It clobed the membrane to prevent anything from getting in its eye.

I like the action and the fish in the talons - would like to see others from the series

Registered on February 4, 2009, 1093 Posts, 7035 Comments

Comment posted by Rick Cloran on March 31, 2011 at 2:39 PM

Nice capture. I agree with Luke's assessment of the behavior.

Registered on April 6, 2004, 119 Posts, 1989 Comments

Comment posted by Wayne Willison on March 31, 2011 at 4:58 PM

I've seen birds shut that membrane while shaking off water, also. But haven't noticed it happen while flying. I guess the shaking could acccount for the upturned head.

Registered on April 10, 2009, 292 Posts, 3967 Comments

Comment posted by Charles Gangas on March 31, 2011 at 4:59 PM

Very interesting capture Wayne. Nice techs as well.

Registered on August 12, 2009, 544 Posts, 2414 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Canning on March 31, 2011 at 9:24 PM

Neat behavioral shot Wayne. Super sharp too!

Registered on February 10, 2004, 88 Posts, 549 Comments

Comment posted by Matt Shellenberg on March 31, 2011 at 9:59 PM

Very cool behavior shot, Wayne. I also agree with Luke's explanation for the behavior , it looks like he is shaking off water. Really nice capture with the fish in the talons.

Registered on February 6, 2008, 168 Posts, 3118 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on April 1, 2011 at 11:05 AM

LP looks great Wayne, love the action and unusual head turn here..Very good details.
What, birds can't blink once in awhile?

Excellent!

Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments

Comment posted by Dan Walters on April 1, 2011 at 11:14 AM

Nice detail in the osprey. Also like the drops of water coming off the head.

Registered on October 30, 2005, 405 Posts, 3693 Comments