AN INCREDIBLE image shows the moment an osprey swoops down to collect its breakfast without breaking stride.
Richard Mullen captured the striking scenes as they unfolded last Saturday whilst staked out in Aviemore, Highlands.
The amateur photographer sat closely in a hide for over four hours and waited for the right moment to capture the osprey in action.
The 48-year-old’s image shows the osprey hovering just feet above the water with the bird’s wings caught in mid-flight.
The bird of prey prepares to fly off having swooped down and snatched the helpless trout with its talons avoiding the need to stop on the water.
The osprey’s beady yellow eyes appear to be looking directly at the lens, allowing for a full view right down the razor sharp beak of the bird.
Small droplets of water bounce back onto the surface of the waterbed that the trout once happily swam in.
Richard shared his image to social media on Saturday writing: “Despite the hustle and bustle of Aviemore, the ospreys still find a corner to find breakfast.
“As the world passes by this male is able to come into the town centre, fish and go, no questions asked.”
His post received over 150 likes with dozens of people quick to heap praise on Richard for his dynamic image.
Darren Dawson said: “Great shot, Richard.”
George Mackay joked: “Straight from Tesco’s fridge, great shot.”
Helen Sampson added: “Brilliant image.”
Greig Morrison replied: “Cracking shot.”
Lynda Knox commented: “What an amazing capture.”
Speaking today Richard said: “I’m an amateur photographer and wildlife lover since lockdown.
“I’ve got friends in Aviemore who know of a place that ospreys visit frequently as it’s a small pond with lots of fish.
“They’ve turned it into a hide and I spent some time there from 4am one morning.
“I was in the hide for four hours [capturing that shot] but you can sit there and see nothing [on other occasions].”
The wingspan of an osprey will vary based on the sex with males having a wingspan measuring five feet.
Their female counterparts will have a larger wingspan, measuring up to a whopping seven feet across.
