Photographer Captures Incredible Shots Of Osprey in Mid-Hunt Dive

Ospreys hunt by diving to the water’s surface from some 30 to 100 feet up. They have gripping pads on their feet to help them pluck fish from the water with their curved claws and carry them for great distances. In-flight, ospreys will orient the fish headfirst to ease wind resistance.

Taiwanese photographer Chen Chengguang (aka Joinus12345) is known for his stunning bird photography. His Instagram page features stunning images of various birds in action. Each one of his works is extraordinary but particularly impressive are his chronophotographs of ospreys in full hunting mode.

Chronophotography traces its origins back in the mid-19th century during the Victorian era. This technique captures multiple stages of movements, and each frame is then placed in one frame to display motion. It’s the antecedent of animation and cinematography and was initially intended to be used by scientists to inspect objects in motion.