An egret perches in a tree along the ice pond last month

If you are a fish, this could be the last thing you ever see.

On the other side of the Great Marsh is an osprey nest that has typically sponsored a family every year as far back as anyone can remember. This year is no different. We think this is a mom sitting on her eggs. She stays put even when anyone walks by. Another osprey, presumed to be the dad, is frequently seen nearby.

The osprey enters the water with a big splash, disappears completely under the water, and tries to grab a fish with its claws. Here it emerges and, in this case, was unsuccessful.

Once a target was identified (see previous post), the bird starts the attack. The osprey will dive head first until just above the surface before shifting to a feet first entrance into the water. This image is when it starts the dive.

While walking along the southeastern Connecticut coastline on Fishers Island Sound one evening, an osprey appeared over the adjacent cove. He slowly flew back and forth over the water at about 30 feet. I waited for something to happen. Then, he spotted a potential target below.