We love our wildlife in Southwest Florida. Yes, even the alligators.
Andrew West, a visual journalist for The News-Press and Naples Daily News, is one of the best wildlife photographers in the U.S.
West was on Sanibel Island in 2025 at the J.N. “Ding Darling” National Wildlife Preserve when he spotted an osprey on the hunt for some food. This incredible moment − right place at the right time − took place at what is known as the Bailey Tract.
West started doing magical things with is camera and the result was the spectacular time lapse video he produced. You can watch the video at the top of this page.
“The light for this photo was perfect. It was right behind me as the osprey swooped in for the catch,” West said of this amazing wildlife moment.
Ospreys: What to know
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website:
The osprey is a species of raptor that is sometimes mistaken for the bald eagle. This species can reach a height of 23 inches (58.4 centimeters) with a wingspan of 72 inches (182.9 centimeters) (The Cornell Lab of Ornithology 2011). Ospreys have a white underside and head, and a brownish upper body with a black line across the eyes that extends to the wings. Several features distinguish the osprey from other birds of prey, including a reversible fourth toe and spines located on their feet that are used to help grasp their prey as they fly over the water.
The undersides of the toes on each foot are covered with short spines, which help them grasp slippery fish.
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This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Watch an osprey on Sanibel hunt in this stunning time lapse video
Reporting by Mark H. Bickel and Andrew West, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News / Fort Myers News-Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
