Osprey with its feet entangled by filamentous algae, Lettuce Lake Park, Hillsborough County, FloridaOsprey with its feet entangled by filamentous algae – Nikon D200, handheld, f6.3, 1/800, ISO 250, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 400mm, natural light, not baited

I photographed this Osprey at Lettuce Lake Regional Park, Florida from the observation tower. The Osprey had tried to catch a fish but came up with just the filamentous algae in its talons. It was January of 2009 and the morning had been a bit brisk by Florida standards.

The sun was warming things up and the Ospreys in the area were on the hunt. The three story observation tower gave me great eye level views of the Ospreys as they flew past along with Turkey Vultures, Black Vultures, and Red-shouldered Hawks.

I’m sure the Osprey was easily able to get the algae untangled but had this been fishing line the Osprey would have been in trouble. Please dispose of fishing line properly and you could be saving the lives of birds and animals.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Osprey photos plus facts and information about this species.