Why?

Why does the osprey flap so many times before it lands? 

Many birds make one flap and they’re down.

Ospreys are precision flyers and their landing is no exception. Because their nest can be quite small if they’re in their first year as a pair, they need to land carefully so that they do not disturb the nest or the eggs or nestlings after they hatch. An osprey’s wingspan can be as wide as 5-6 feet!

What moment would you choose to sketch or paint this bird?

Do you notice anything else interesting about this bird?

• Why might it wiggle before it lands? 

• Is this movement like a hover?  Do ospreys hover?