Fresh Catch

An osprey holds a fresh-caught fish tightly in its talons as it flies over the north end of Anna Maria Island.

The large raptors are commonly seen soaring high overhead, sometimes up to 100 feet, scanning the water for their next target, then diving, hitting the surface feet first to snag its prey.

Fish make up 99 percent of the ospreys diet.  According to the National Geographic, an osprey will use their feet to direct its catch headfirst into the wind, which causes less resistance as it flies.