Yesterday (18 September 2019) I snapped this photo of an Osprey carrying a fish. Is this a Jacksmelt (Atherinopsis californiensis)? If you can confirm or correct the identification, let me know!
Thanks! This one was more luck than anything else...and a lesson in not assuming that it's too late. The Osprey showed up unexpectedly (I didn't see it coming), so by the time I could get my camera out, the Osprey was already past me. But I noticed the fish and decided to try taking a picture anyway. It's not a great shot of the Osprey, but it's a fun shot of the fish.
Cool picture! Given its size it's much more likely to be a jacksmelt but since the photo doesn't show the first dorsal it's still possible for it to be a topsmelt.
Hey, Matt! Good to hear from you! Thanks for the input on the fish i.d. When trying to identify it, I realized that the Osprey's talons were interfering with the visibility of the dorsal fins. Perhaps that's often an issue in this position.
Jackie, I have no idea about the fish species but you are really good with that camera! Congratulations on that shot.
ReplyDeleteThanks! This one was more luck than anything else...and a lesson in not assuming that it's too late. The Osprey showed up unexpectedly (I didn't see it coming), so by the time I could get my camera out, the Osprey was already past me. But I noticed the fish and decided to try taking a picture anyway. It's not a great shot of the Osprey, but it's a fun shot of the fish.
ReplyDelete:) Jackie
Cool picture! Given its size it's much more likely to be a jacksmelt but since the photo doesn't show the first dorsal it's still possible for it to be a topsmelt.
ReplyDeleteHey, Matt! Good to hear from you! Thanks for the input on the fish i.d. When trying to identify it, I realized that the Osprey's talons were interfering with the visibility of the dorsal fins. Perhaps that's often an issue in this position.
ReplyDelete:) Jackie