High Speed Osprey Catch

By Aimee Braniff Cree

A CLEVER composite image from Rutland proves exactly how accurate Brit ospreys are at high-speed hunting.

Photographs show the osprey swooping at speeds of up to 80 miles-per-hour to grab a fish, looking away right before scooping up its dinner with the next challenge being to get the prey home to it’s nest in one piece.

These images were captured by Chief Marketing Officer Marc Freebrey (50) from Gloucestershire, UK.

Marc captured the perfect catch in Rutland, UK on his Nikon Z9, Nikon Z 180-600mm F/5.6-6.3 VR Lens.

“The osprey initially circles the water searching for prey before plunging into the water at speed to catch a fish,” said Marc. 

“The osprey is capable of speeds of up to 125km/h in steep dives. However, the struggle isn’t over as a big fish can make it difficult for the bird to get airborne again.

“Ospreys were once extinct in the UK, but after a successful reintroduction program, the British population has grown from two known breeding pairs in 1967 to an estimate of nearly 300 pairs in 2023.

“There is always a feeling of great excitement and satisfaction. Being in their presence is both thrilling and scary in equal measures.  

“I took 1,000+ shots during the day so it is difficult to pick just one. However the sequence burst is my favourite because it really captures the moment of the hunt, and you can feel the intense concentration as the osprey locks onto the fish.

“Osprey’s catch fish by spotting them from the air or while perched over the water, diving and plunging into the water to catch a single fish, and taking off from the water. 

“It is estimated that an adult osprey needs approximately 400g (0.88 lb) of fish meat per day to meet its energy needs.

“I take great joy in sharing the photos and making people aware of the wonderful nature we have all around us. 

“It is important to appreciate what we have and not take it for granted.”

Click to see how our story was used in Guardian Online.

ENDS