What is that bird?

[JEFFB]

I apologise for the quality of these shots, but I really thought this was neat so I figured I'd share....

I was walking to work the other day, and I noticed a bird in the distance that seemed to be diving into the harbour, but not the way that a seagull or cormorant would, as I got closer it landed on top of a nearby flag pole.

http://sonicisland.servemp3.com/photos/albums/userpics/10001/Hawk%20Perched.jpg

So I sat for a bit waiting and hoping for it to do its dive again, and guess what?
It flew off its perch and circled around, I realized at this point that it was a red tailed hawk.

http://sonicisland.servemp3.com/photos/albums/userpics/10001/Hawk%20Fly%20copy.jpg

and dove into the water,

http://sonicisland.servemp3.com/photos/albums/userpics/10001/Hawk%20Dive.jpg


Caught something and flew off.

http://sonicisland.servemp3.com/photos/albums/userpics/10001/Hawk%20Fly%20aaway.jpg

PS: I think this guy down on the right might have gotten better shots of it, if anyone knows him??

http://sonicisland.servemp3.com/photos/albums/userpics/10001/Photographer%20too.jpg

 

[Peanuts]

I believe you found yourself an osprey very nice images. I have never managed to catch one in flight.. or at that.. a good one at all

The reason I think it is an osprey is because the 'bandit' like face pattern. As red-tailed hawks are much darker throughout. I believe.

 

[JEFFB]

Well, there you go, I guess I didn't really know what it was after all. Either way it was prettty cool to have the chance to get some snaps off. I wish they had turned out better.

 

[Peanuts]

There will be plenty of more chances especially seeing as it is your provincial bird. Then again. If I think about it, the great horned owl is Alberta's and I don't believe I have ever seen a wild one. Well, I am sure many osprey frequent the water there so you will get some great shots :thumbup: .

The best I have gotten of osprey were taken on a tripod, full zoom, as it was sitting on a nest and even they weren't great quality.

Good luck