by Jerry Austin
This is the same Osprey from my previous post, just a few seconds later. It looked like he was struggling with all the wet feathers and decided to give himself a good shake. Never seen this behaviour before. It was very interesting to watch.
Processed using Lightroom 5 and Photoshop CC 2014. Comments and critiques welcome.
Canon 7D Mark II
Canon 200-400 f4 L IS
f6.3
1/1250s
Focal Length 560mm (Teleconverter Engaged)
ISO 400
Comments
7 commentsTruly interesting and aerobatic behavior. I wish the beak and eyes were more distinct, but a powerful image nonetheless.
Great action, Jerry. I've heard of this but haven't observed it myself.
Sweet capture of this behavior Jerry. Well seen and the timing was great.
Very interesting. Good timing on the shot.
Jerry,
The thumbnail looks quite weird, but the large version certainly does not.
Interesting behaviour well captured. I presume like with most birds the eye closure goes with the behaviour?
Hey Jerry,
Nice timing on this one and the large version should not be missed. The shaking off of water in flight is a very common maneuver for Ospreys after diving for fish or taking a bath. I see this often out on the boat as they lighten their water weight and fluff wet feathers for better flight characteristics and its even preformed with a fish clutched in their talons. The closed eye appearance is the sun reflecting off the nictitating membrane which is a transparent or translucent third eyelid present in some animals that can be drawn across the eye for protection and/or to moisten while maintaining visibility. Ospreys use the third eye lid mostly for protection when diving into the water after prey and when feeding their young.
Excellent action, well done . . .
I like the moment and action you managed to capture Jerry. I have seen this one film before, but never witnessed it myself. Nice to see someone getting this moment. Nice work.