February 15, 2015

In-Flight Fight

Just by pausing and taking in your surroundings, you can notice some amazing activity...especially when it comes to Mother Nature.  I was taking a stroll on the beach on Sanibel yesterday afternoon when I noticed an osprey flying over the Gulf of Mexico with something in its talons, presumably a fish.  Although it was a good distance away (at least 60 yards), I figured I'd look through my telephoto lens and confirm what it was, and maybe even get a picture.  As I was zooming in, my friend exclaimed "It dropped it!" (referring to the osprey releasing the fish) and simultaneously another bird appeared in my viewfinder.  If there's one species I can spot a mile away, it's a bald eagle -- and that's what it was!  Bald eagles have a reputation for being aggressive and taking meals away from other birds of prey right in mid-flight.  That's what was happening! The eagle was unsuccessful…but, get this:  after a very brief in-flight skirmish, the eagle took off --- and the osprey chased it!  Unbelievable!  It was such a neat experience to see unfold right before our eyes.  And, no one else on the beach was aware of the wildlife turmoil going on.  Although this isn't the best of photos, I was thrilled that I happened to capture the eagle's aggressive posture before it fled the scene.  Hope everyone in the blogosphere has been doing well!  


8 comments:

Kathy said...

Definitely cool! And I'm glad to see you back.

Lorraine said...

What an action shot! It must have been an awesome sight to see. Glad you were there to appreciate it and capture it on camera. Hope all is well with you!

Nancy J said...

A moment in our day, but for the birds, survival and life at the far end. Wonderful experience to see it all in action.

Brian King said...

How cool! I'd love to see something like that!

Michelle said...

What a great moment you witnessed!

slim said...

What a gift and thrill to catch the drama above you. I was treated this winter to my first sighting of a bald eagle with two youngsters. I'm always looking up . . .

Andy said...

It pays to look up. You never know when one will see a rumble in the sky!

Jack said...

Right person, right place, right time, right lens!