firm grip

firm grip, originally uploaded by Ed Karjala.

Below is the detailed note of the original photographer regarding this interesting photo :
" male N. American Osprey wings off after a successful hunt, victim clutched in a single claw. Seen over the Machias River, Machias, ME USA. I was able to witness the entire process from initial targeting, to splashdown, recovery, and full flight. The fish's struggling initially kept the Osprey off balance and necessitated some awkward shifting around while getting underway. Fantastic to witness.

Interesting note: or at least, I find it interesting, the Osprey is the only raptor with a reversible toe, allowing it to grasp with two talons in front and one in back -- as seen here :-) "