An osprey gliding on the surface of a body of water

Image from preview.redd.it and submitted by Glass_Pension4599
image showing An osprey gliding on the surface of a body of water

Bored_Montrealer on April 27th, 2023 at 11:24 UTC »

One interesting fact about ospreys is that they are the only raptors (birds of prey) that dive into the water feet-first to catch fish. Ospreys have evolved several adaptations that enable them to catch fish in this way, including sharp spiny scales on the soles of their feet to help them grip slippery fish and a reversible outer toe that allows them to grasp prey with two toes in front and two behind, much like a human hand. Ospreys are also able to close their nostrils to prevent water from entering when they dive into the water, and their oily feathers help to repel water and stay buoyant.

Al3jandr0 on April 27th, 2023 at 12:17 UTC »

I refuse to see this as anything other than a highly symmetrical, four-winged bird monster that is equal parts derpy and terrifying.

Spartan2470 on April 27th, 2023 at 12:47 UTC »

Here is a higher quality and less cropped version of this image. Here is the source. Credit to the photographer, Andy Woo, who took this in August 2020 at a nature preserve near Seattle.