The power and precision of these winged beasts is undeniable, and sometimes, very theatrical.This hake fish was clearly oversized, but the bird handled it like a seasoned pro. Rip, tear, swallow, repeat… all while flying straight at me like it had rehearsed the whole thing. If birds gave TED Talks on fish disassembly, this one would get a standing ovation.Now the shoot? Pure chaos. I’m on a boat rocking through swift currents, trying to keep a long lens steady while nature puts on a show. Luckily, my captain knows the ocean like it’s his backyard because it is his backyard. He gets me in the right place so I can stay locked on the action, no tripod, no do-overs, just a lot of luck, good timing, and a bird that knows how to perform!

~Mark Smith Photography

I took a few pictures while I was out today.