Sebastian Inlet State Park

Sebastian Inlet State Park is on two sides of a very fast moving inlet between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon. We’ve been here a few times to watch Osprey hunt for fish. Usually when we’re there, a couple of them dive a few times. But today there were 15 to 20 in the air at any given time, often diving down to catch breakfast. The water was VERY rough through the inlet making big waves, but the Osprey did not give up…

One of the many Osprey in the air near the bridge over the inlet

Osprey with a large Catfish it just pulled out of the water

An Osprey with its fish looking up at it as it flies off

Osprey getting close to the water and hopefully a fish…

…getting a little bit closer…

…reaching in towards the fish…

…reorienting back to flight mode…

…flying away with its prize!

Another Osprey making the dive

Osprey out over the water diving near the north side pier

Osprey in a stoop right before tucking in its wings

Osprey getting closer to the water amid the big waves

Osprey right above the water. You can see its reflection right below it

Another diving Osprey

Osprey’s talons just touching the water

Splashdown!

Osprey gliding towards the water with a Great White Egret watching

Osprey diving with the north pier in the background

Osprey reaching towards the water

Osprey right before splashdown

Osprey flying past the north pier with its fish

Osprey flying past with its fish

Osprey had just started its dive the water…

…Osprey getting closer…

…Osprey closing in on a fish

Osprey diving in front of the north pier

Osprey diving in the big waves

Osprey just sighted a fish and is beginning its dive…

…Osprey starts turning over as the dive begins…

…Osprey gaining speed as it heads down towards the water…

…with talons open, the Osprey gets closer…

…almost there…

…the Osprey closes it nictitating membrane over its eyes to protect them as its about to hit the water and catch a fish

Another Osprey diving in the big waves in front of the north pier

Another Osprey getting close to the water

Osprey about to disappear behind a wave as its about to hit the water

Sebastian Inlet State Park is a great place to visit to see Osprey hunt. It’s easy to get to and the action takes place all around you. There’s also a nice little beach on the north side of the park where you can catch some rays and see the Osprey in action.