©Joseph Lacroix
May 2, 2024
Double Catch
- as seen by -
Joseph Lacroix
https://joseph-lacroix.pixels.com/ Every year, beginning in May and throughout June, alewives (Alosa pseudoharengus) come by the millions from the ocean and run up Maine’s Kennebec River and its tributaries to spawn in the lakes. These herring become a main food source for ospreys (Pandion haliaetus), bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), and other animals during this time of abundance. It is especially important for birds of prey as they need a constant source of food to raise their chicks.
It is not uncommon for me to sit on the bank of the river during the alewives’ run and watch six or more ospreys circle above. The raptors take turns diving into the water to grab the plentiful alewives. In this instance, it was a one-footed double catch.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This photo was chosen as one of the top submissions for Wild View’s Hunters in the Sky assignment. Congratulations!
Nikon D500 with Nikon 200-500 mm lens
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