Date: 5 December 2013. How Do Osprey Land?
© janice142
This morning I watched an osprey flying with his talons
holding a good sized fish of approximately eight inches. The fish
(mullet?) was about 8 inches long and was held fore and aft
to the flight pattern. As the osprey flew by he first appeared to
want to land on an oyster bed but took off before landing. Then he
aimed for a sandbar, but again appeared to think better of the idea.

Normally this bird of prey (or another osprey -- they all
look alike to me) sits atop the abandoned sailboat anchored behind me. As
the landing atop a mast would be difficult (impossible?) with the fish
alive that was not attempted. The last I saw of the bird it was heading for
the trees across the river.
Apparently the river is again filled with fish. Just this
morning I heard a commotion over by the river bank and saw a pair of
dolphin herding a school of fish toward the shoreline, then feasting on
same. The fish jumping were all about 5" long and the dolphin were
definitely enjoying the fresh dinner.

It is good to have the fish back.
For a time I didn't see many. Last year, back in December the pelicans
mostly disappeared and the ones seen appeared to be quite thin. I had
noticed that the tiny minnows along the shore were missing and when I
spoke with a fisherman he said that hauls were nonexistent and although he
went out each day he did not
think he was making the gasoline his outboard required. That is scary.
Some chose to fish from a kayak.

This is Nick. He had a successful afternoon fishing in the
canal behind his home.
Fishermen in my book are to be greatly respected. It
is not
an easy life on the water and they not only put food on their tables, but
also fill the grocery stores with fresh seafood as well. They are good
guys and I always wish them well.
So, back to the topic at hand: Does anyone know how an osprey would land with a fish
in its talons? The fish did not look happy (okay I saw the tail of
the fish flaying) so I am guessing it was attempting an escape.
I'd love to learn more about these great hunters.
Please share whatever you know about the osprey, and thanks!
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