Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Osprey filmed catching fish!

The Osprey is a familiar bird of prey to most.  If you don't know it by name you will recognize it once you see it in this awesome film a follower sent to us. Osprey description according to the National Geographic field guide to birds: Dark brown above, white below, white head dark eye stripe.  Females usually have darker neck streaks.  Wings appear to be bent back in flight.  Scientific Name: Pandion haliaetus.  Usually found near an aquatic habitat.   Here is video a follower sent to us.

 This is truly incredible video. I can't believe this Osprey got 5-6 fish at a time, then got a flounder under 3' of water, and then made off with what looks to be a 5+ lb. Steelhead.  I've never seen a bird shake water off like a dog does 
There are 3 sequences in this one video:
1st sequence he catches half a dozen fish in one strike.
2nd sequence he plunges talons into deep water right to the bottom to grab his prey.
3rd sequence he captures a big old fat fish that looks as if it weighs more than he does!
This is incredible to watch... Enjoy 

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Deer running out of room?


 These pictures were sent to us from Reading PA near CarTech business.  There are approximately 30 deer according to the photographer.  These deer are so accustomed to people that they will let you walk up to them without scattering.  They will also let you feed them.  According to sources that have fed them the deer really enjoy apples, corn and bread.  You can see a small buck in the one photograph and many other doe.  These pictures are great but it begs the question, are deer running out of room?  Is the deer population simply too many?  I'm not sure.  What I do know is every year the law enforcement agencies use the deer in Valley Forge Park as target practice.  The deer population is so crowded at Valley Forge that snipers practice on moving targets to hone their skills and to thin out the deer population.

Photos courtesy of Mary Wolfinger