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Mark Smith Photography

@marktakesphoto • 48,440 subscribers

My name is Mark Smith and I am happily addicted to photography! https://t.co/SySX33QcOi

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Brown pelicans are ruthless. They will eat anything they can stuff into that gaping maw of a pouch and they definitely don’t mind taking from others. The osprey being one of the best anglers on the planet is often a target for the pelicans.

Brown pelicans are ruthless. They will eat anything they can stuff into that gaping maw of a pouch and they definitely don’t mind taking from others. The osprey being one of the best anglers on the planet is often a target for the pelicans.

753,660 Aufrufe

Meet the Anhinga, also known as the snake bird or water turkey, or as I like to call them “Holy Crap Did You See That!?!” And while this seems like a once in a lifetime fish flipping rodeo, it isn’t.

Meet the Anhinga, also known as the snake bird or water turkey, or as I like to call them “Holy Crap Did You See That!?!” And while this seems like a once in a lifetime fish flipping rodeo, it isn’t.

240,429 Aufrufe

The whole concept of floating on a cushion of air amazes me and this bird demonstrates it perfectly. With a wingspan of up to 4 meters or 12 feet that’s some serious feather real estate making contact with invisible forces and keeping this bird floating mere inches

The whole concept of floating on a cushion of air amazes me and this bird demonstrates it perfectly. With a wingspan of up to 4 meters or 12 feet that’s some serious feather real estate making contact with invisible forces and keeping this bird floating mere inches

94,696 Aufrufe

I’ve seen a lot of foxes but this one is still my all time fav. The colors on this beauty are simply remarkable and if memory serves me correctly which it occasionally does, this was the alpha male of the group. Someone also told me this foxes coloration is a rare gene mutation.

I’ve seen a lot of foxes but this one is still my all time fav. The colors on this beauty are simply remarkable and if memory serves me correctly which it occasionally does, this was the alpha male of the group. Someone also told me this foxes coloration is a rare gene mutation.

146,459 Aufrufe

This eagle is motionless between eye blinks as it searches a meadow about a half a mile away. The rabbit never saw it coming.

This eagle is motionless between eye blinks as it searches a meadow about a half a mile away. The rabbit never saw it coming.

836,457 Aufrufe

Osprey‘s might be the best avian anglers that exist, but when it comes to aquatic mammals, dolphins are definitely top on the list. I was lucky enough to spend a couple of days watching a pair of dolphins who almost seemed to be constantly showing off and playing with their food.

Osprey‘s might be the best avian anglers that exist, but when it comes to aquatic mammals, dolphins are definitely top on the list. I was lucky enough to spend a couple of days watching a pair of dolphins who almost seemed to be constantly showing off and playing with their food.

150,918 Aufrufe

Coming in really fast and almost sideways. Look at that wing control! Epic birds.

Coming in really fast and almost sideways. Look at that wing control! Epic birds.

484,311 Aufrufe

Beautiful barred owl silently flys right by the camera. #owl

Beautiful barred owl silently flys right by the camera. #owl

464,560 Aufrufe

This is a great example of something that has to be seen to be believed, and I’m not even talking about the eagles’ amazing aerodynamic abilities. I’m referring to chaotic tidal rapids that cause huge vortexes of water to push fish to the surface. You can clearly see one starting right when the eagle plucks the fish from the surface. The poor fish was rushed to the surface at such a velocity that the air and gases inside it expanded filling it like a balloon. Glad I’m not a fish.

This is a great example of something that has to be seen to be believed, and I’m not even talking about the eagles’ amazing aerodynamic abilities. I’m referring to chaotic tidal rapids that cause huge vortexes of water to push fish to the surface. You can clearly see one starting right when the eagle plucks the fish from the surface. The poor fish was rushed to the surface at such a velocity that the air and gases inside it expanded filling it like a balloon. Glad I’m not a fish.

197,030 Aufrufe

Watching cattle egrets hunt dragonflies in the dew soaked grass is an epic way to pass time in the morning. As charming as this bird was, it still didn’t manage to catch the dragonfly.

Watching cattle egrets hunt dragonflies in the dew soaked grass is an epic way to pass time in the morning. As charming as this bird was, it still didn’t manage to catch the dragonfly.

22,750 Aufrufe

Meet “Beakless” The bird who refuses to give up. Yesterday, I shared a still photo of this incredible Great Egret, and today, I want to show you even more of its story. If you missed the original post, let me catch you up: •No, I don’t know how it lost its upper beak. •Yes, it’s doing fine. •And yes, I consulted a very experienced bird rehabber who confirmed this bird looks healthy and strong, despite the injury. I’ve watched birds perform all kinds of behaviors over the years… from opening their beaks wide to what almost looks like licking their lips. But Beakless? When it tries, its tongue just pops out the top where the upper beak should be. This bird is not just surviving, it’s thriving, and somehow, that makes it even more beautiful.

Meet “Beakless” The bird who refuses to give up. Yesterday, I shared a still photo of this incredible Great Egret, and today, I want to show you even more of its story. If you missed the original post, let me catch you up: •No, I don’t know how it lost its upper beak. •Yes, it’s doing fine. •And yes, I consulted a very experienced bird rehabber who confirmed this bird looks healthy and strong, despite the injury. I’ve watched birds perform all kinds of behaviors over the years… from opening their beaks wide to what almost looks like licking their lips. But Beakless? When it tries, its tongue just pops out the top where the upper beak should be. This bird is not just surviving, it’s thriving, and somehow, that makes it even more beautiful.

59,825 Aufrufe

There she sat, waiting on her throne. It was well before sunrise and the world lacked any color but yet she was ready for prime time. What do you think? Was she angry or was this a look of praise? I don’t think she wanted to be filmed.

There she sat, waiting on her throne. It was well before sunrise and the world lacked any color but yet she was ready for prime time. What do you think? Was she angry or was this a look of praise? I don’t think she wanted to be filmed.

28,569 Aufrufe

Eagles come out the sky in many different ways but this when they hold their wings outstretched the slow their speed is by far my favorite. It showcases the amazing power in their wings and their ability to control themselves mid flight.

Eagles come out the sky in many different ways but this when they hold their wings outstretched the slow their speed is by far my favorite. It showcases the amazing power in their wings and their ability to control themselves mid flight.

21,556 Aufrufe

I’ve watched this alpha female bald eagle tangle with rivals for years. I’ve seen her rake eagles across oyster beds, lock talons and spin adversaries into the mud, and even take down a full-grown great blue heron. Ruthless doesn’t even begin to describe her.

I’ve watched this alpha female bald eagle tangle with rivals for years. I’ve seen her rake eagles across oyster beds, lock talons and spin adversaries into the mud, and even take down a full-grown great blue heron. Ruthless doesn’t even begin to describe her.

30,210 Aufrufe

Yesterday I posted some still images of an Osprey who uses a tiny pole to perch. This bird sits on one of these poles daily. The poles were put there to prevent cars from hitting birds when they fly over the bridge. It has been a huge success in reducing the bird-car fatalities significantly. I’ve always been amazed at how the Osprey can sit on this tiny pole. The image I posted yesterday shows exactly how in great detail. It’s amazing how animals adapt.

Yesterday I posted some still images of an Osprey who uses a tiny pole to perch. This bird sits on one of these poles daily. The poles were put there to prevent cars from hitting birds when they fly over the bridge. It has been a huge success in reducing the bird-car fatalities significantly. I’ve always been amazed at how the Osprey can sit on this tiny pole. The image I posted yesterday shows exactly how in great detail. It’s amazing how animals adapt.

46,973 Aufrufe

Sibling rivalry is alive and well, especially among Sandhill cranes. And nothing beats the classic silent stare from a disapproving parent. These young cranes are always sparring, but this little altercation cracked me up. The chick coming in from the right looked genuinely excited to see its older sibling, but the one coming in from the left clearly had other plans… like total domination. Watch the foot stomps. They are ridiculously cute. And if you look closely, you will see a tiny swat with that little nub of a wing. Pure drama. Everything was going perfectly until the adult caught sight of it. That is when the universal silent stare worked its magic. Instant transformation. Both chicks suddenly became innocent little angels. Classic.

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Sibling rivalry is alive and well, especially among Sandhill cranes. And nothing beats the classic silent stare from a disapproving parent. These young cranes are always sparring, but this little altercation cracked me up. The chick coming in from the right looked genuinely excited to see its older sibling, but the one coming in from the left clearly had other plans… like total domination. Watch the foot stomps. They are ridiculously cute. And if you look closely, you will see a tiny swat with that little nub of a wing. Pure drama. Everything was going perfectly until the adult caught sight of it. That is when the universal silent stare worked its magic. Instant transformation. Both chicks suddenly became innocent little angels. Classic.

41,410 Aufrufe

Pelicans are brave kleptoparasitic birds from the Dino era.

Pelicans are brave kleptoparasitic birds from the Dino era.

76,121 Aufrufe

The midair ballet of the bald eagle is definitely a courtship ritual, but this same behavior can also be the result of a territorial dispute. In my experience, a dominant female will always be the aggressor. The dynamics are interesting to watch. If she has not eaten, she will attack any others who get too close to her spot by grabbing them by the talons, swinging them around in circles, and tossing them below. It appears to be an act of humiliation with the dominant bird claiming victory over territory and food. If she has eaten, she doesn’t seem to mind sharing and will usually “allow” others to come into her territory and feed.

The midair ballet of the bald eagle is definitely a courtship ritual, but this same behavior can also be the result of a territorial dispute. In my experience, a dominant female will always be the aggressor. The dynamics are interesting to watch. If she has not eaten, she will attack any others who get too close to her spot by grabbing them by the talons, swinging them around in circles, and tossing them below. It appears to be an act of humiliation with the dominant bird claiming victory over territory and food. If she has eaten, she doesn’t seem to mind sharing and will usually “allow” others to come into her territory and feed.

38,003 Aufrufe

Yesterday morning, while the Osprey were clearly taking a break, I noticed a group of dragonflies dancing above the water hyacinths. At first, they just looked like dragonflies, darting back and forth through the air. But when I took a closer look through my lens, I realized they weren’t just flying. They were hunting. Tiny insects filled the air, and the dragonflies were capturing them in real time, reaching out with all six legs to snatch and consume them mid-flight. I managed to video one as it caught and ate two insects right there in the sky. It made me stop and wonder… what else is happening all around us that we simply cannot see? Each image or video I capture feels like a thread, one among billions, woven into the fabric of reality. We’ve gone from believing the Earth was the center of everything, to thinking it was flat, to now discovering possible life on planets we may never touch. What’s next? The universe is such a wild and mysterious playground. What saddens me is that asking questions like these can make people uncomfortable. Some might even leave negative comments. But to me, the greatest part of being human is our free will. Our ability to wonder. To reach beyond what we think we know. It’s wise to think outside the box, and wiser still to realize the box itself is still unfolding. And to think, all of this started from watching a dragonfly eat a bug. Thanks for listening to me ramble!

Yesterday morning, while the Osprey were clearly taking a break, I noticed a group of dragonflies dancing above the water hyacinths. At first, they just looked like dragonflies, darting back and forth through the air. But when I took a closer look through my lens, I realized they weren’t just flying. They were hunting. Tiny insects filled the air, and the dragonflies were capturing them in real time, reaching out with all six legs to snatch and consume them mid-flight. I managed to video one as it caught and ate two insects right there in the sky. It made me stop and wonder… what else is happening all around us that we simply cannot see? Each image or video I capture feels like a thread, one among billions, woven into the fabric of reality. We’ve gone from believing the Earth was the center of everything, to thinking it was flat, to now discovering possible life on planets we may never touch. What’s next? The universe is such a wild and mysterious playground. What saddens me is that asking questions like these can make people uncomfortable. Some might even leave negative comments. But to me, the greatest part of being human is our free will. Our ability to wonder. To reach beyond what we think we know. It’s wise to think outside the box, and wiser still to realize the box itself is still unfolding. And to think, all of this started from watching a dragonfly eat a bug. Thanks for listening to me ramble!

33,992 Aufrufe

Sometimes the best way to watch the sun rise isn’t directly but instead, through something like the beak of a great blue heron. Seeing its beak light up as the first rays of the sun shine through it…. 🤯❤️

Sometimes the best way to watch the sun rise isn’t directly but instead, through something like the beak of a great blue heron. Seeing its beak light up as the first rays of the sun shine through it…. 🤯❤️

43,162 Aufrufe

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Have you ever seen an eagle grab a fish and eat live in mid air.

Have you ever seen an eagle grab a fish and eat live in mid air.

Mark Smith Photography

5,375,800 Aufrufe • vor 3 Jahren

What a sight. After getting dragged under three times, this Osprey emerges with a massive pompano. Go bird go!

What a sight. After getting dragged under three times, this Osprey emerges with a massive pompano. Go bird go!

Mark Smith Photography

1,851,013 Aufrufe • vor 3 Jahren

Osprey gets dragged under but resurfaces with a huge barracuda.

Osprey gets dragged under but resurfaces with a huge barracuda.

Mark Smith Photography

1,145,289 Aufrufe • vor 3 Jahren

What do you when an eagle grabs a fish, swallows it whole and then makes a sudden bee line for your face? You keep rolling video!! Eagles have a weird smell. I found out as it flew inches from my nose. #tooclose

What do you when an eagle grabs a fish, swallows it whole and then makes a sudden bee line for your face? You keep rolling video!! Eagles have a weird smell. I found out as it flew inches from my nose. #tooclose

Mark Smith Photography

944,221 Aufrufe • vor 2 Jahren

One of the most common questions I get asked. Why is the Osprey your favorite bird to photograph/video? This video is the perfect example of why. Ospreys never give up. Ever.

One of the most common questions I get asked. Why is the Osprey your favorite bird to photograph/video? This video is the perfect example of why. Ospreys never give up. Ever.

Mark Smith Photography

121,898 Aufrufe • vor 6 Monaten

Crazy eagle tries to steal a rabbit right out of a hungry momma fox’s mouth.

Crazy eagle tries to steal a rabbit right out of a hungry momma fox’s mouth.

Mark Smith Photography

474,096 Aufrufe • vor 3 Jahren

On a scale of 1-10, 10 being perfect, I have to award this eagle with a 12. 😃 If you ever wanted to see a perfect example of an eagle’s ability to fly, grab a fish and eat it in mid air, I think this is it. What would you give this eagle on a scale of 1-10?

On a scale of 1-10, 10 being perfect, I have to award this eagle with a 12. 😃 If you ever wanted to see a perfect example of an eagle’s ability to fly, grab a fish and eat it in mid air, I think this is it. What would you give this eagle on a scale of 1-10?

Mark Smith Photography

376,362 Aufrufe • vor 2 Jahren

I’ve learned from posting on social means that some people don’t think there are catfish in the ocean. There are plenty and this Osprey managed to hoist out a big Gafftopsail catfish. Glad I’m not a fish, especially a catfish.

I’ve learned from posting on social means that some people don’t think there are catfish in the ocean. There are plenty and this Osprey managed to hoist out a big Gafftopsail catfish. Glad I’m not a fish, especially a catfish.

Mark Smith Photography

370,550 Aufrufe • vor 2 Jahren

Even eagles have to hit the brakes every once in a while. No drive thru windows for them, just a plunge into cold salt water for a bite sized snack. And when that snack is a small hake fish? It’s a repeat trip. Think chicken strips. How many can you eat in one sitting?

Even eagles have to hit the brakes every once in a while. No drive thru windows for them, just a plunge into cold salt water for a bite sized snack. And when that snack is a small hake fish? It’s a repeat trip. Think chicken strips. How many can you eat in one sitting?

Mark Smith Photography

88,462 Aufrufe • vor 5 Monaten

A few weeks ago I was treated to an Osprey flying right through a rainbow and I shared an image from that experience. Yesterday morning it happened again and this time I was fortunate enough to get it on video.

A few weeks ago I was treated to an Osprey flying right through a rainbow and I shared an image from that experience. Yesterday morning it happened again and this time I was fortunate enough to get it on video.

Mark Smith Photography

370,595 Aufrufe • vor 2 Jahren

Eagle landing in super slow motion. Must see! Amazing example of aerodynamics in nature.

Eagle landing in super slow motion. Must see! Amazing example of aerodynamics in nature.

Mark Smith Photography

372,244 Aufrufe • vor 3 Jahren

Ospreys in this area have an eagle alarm call. When they spot an eagle coming, they make a very specific sound to alert all the other ospreys in the area. Every time I hear that call, I know something crazy is about to happen.

Ospreys in this area have an eagle alarm call. When they spot an eagle coming, they make a very specific sound to alert all the other ospreys in the area. Every time I hear that call, I know something crazy is about to happen.

Mark Smith Photography

261,815 Aufrufe • vor 2 Jahren

Perfectly executed dive!!

Perfectly executed dive!!

Mark Smith Photography

309,681 Aufrufe • vor 3 Jahren

Great blue heron effortlessly glides in and makes a near perfect landing on razor shep oysters.

Great blue heron effortlessly glides in and makes a near perfect landing on razor shep oysters.

Mark Smith Photography

285,874 Aufrufe • vor 3 Jahren

This is why this bird is called a pelican, not a pelican’t. This is the first time I’ve been able to capture the whole process in one take. Now you know why pelicans have such big pouches.

This is why this bird is called a pelican, not a pelican’t. This is the first time I’ve been able to capture the whole process in one take. Now you know why pelicans have such big pouches.

Mark Smith Photography

234,411 Aufrufe • vor 2 Jahren

Have you ever seen an eagle with a flounder? This one effortlessly glides in seemingly controlling each and every feather on its way down. Af first glance it appears that it has simply landed in the shallows but this is all part of this birds calculated grace.

Have you ever seen an eagle with a flounder? This one effortlessly glides in seemingly controlling each and every feather on its way down. Af first glance it appears that it has simply landed in the shallows but this is all part of this birds calculated grace.

Mark Smith Photography

238,712 Aufrufe • vor 2 Jahren

I have been collecting “odd” Fish Crow moments for quite a while now and this morning when I saw one playing with a Dr. Pepper can, I knew that this bird was going to deliver… But I never expected the bird to deliver all 32 flavors and attempt an Olympic chug

I have been collecting “odd” Fish Crow moments for quite a while now and this morning when I saw one playing with a Dr. Pepper can, I knew that this bird was going to deliver… But I never expected the bird to deliver all 32 flavors and attempt an Olympic chug

Mark Smith Photography

58,148 Aufrufe • vor 6 Monaten

This Osprey set its sights on a huge fish and almost paid the price for it!

This Osprey set its sights on a huge fish and almost paid the price for it!

Mark Smith Photography

250,535 Aufrufe • vor 3 Jahren

Adult eagles have mastered the art of plucking a fish from the water’s surface. I don’t think they like to get wet because they put forth so much effort in avoiding it. Pay close attention to this one’s talons as it passes the fish to its beak. It opens them one at a time and slides that poor fish right on out. Glad I’m not a fish.

Adult eagles have mastered the art of plucking a fish from the water’s surface. I don’t think they like to get wet because they put forth so much effort in avoiding it. Pay close attention to this one’s talons as it passes the fish to its beak. It opens them one at a time and slides that poor fish right on out. Glad I’m not a fish.

Mark Smith Photography

87,741 Aufrufe • vor 11 Monaten

I have watched Osprey pull fish out of the water thousands of times and it still completely blows my mind that this is even possible. This bird was so close I could feel it as it flew past. Look how it has the fish locked up in a cage of talons. Unreal!

I have watched Osprey pull fish out of the water thousands of times and it still completely blows my mind that this is even possible. This bird was so close I could feel it as it flew past. Look how it has the fish locked up in a cage of talons. Unreal!

Mark Smith Photography

124,305 Aufrufe • vor 1 Jahr