In these spectacular images an Osprey shows why he is the menace of unsuspecting fish as it plucks a goldfish from a pond with consummate ease. The little orange swimmer had nowhere to hide from the circling predator as the non-native’s distinctive colouring made him easy prey. Photographer Ron Racine captured the amazing natural spectacle from the shores of Blair Pond Park in British Colombia, Canada, last month. The 42-year-old amateur photographer, who only bought his first professional camera in February, heard about birds lifting goldfish out of the pond and thought it would be an opportunity to practice his technique. “I located the pond and showed up one day just to see what was there,” explained Ron.  “That first day there were no Osprey, but there were plenty of waterfowl so I made the best of that. “On a subsequent trip back I did finally see an Osprey and to my surprise and delight it circled around the pond, dove into the water, and snatched a goldfish right out. “Many more visits to the pond later I was able to actually photograph the Osprey during his dive and catch.” Now Ron visits the pond several times a week to study the Osprey and their habits. “This has allowed me to get better and better photographs of them while they make their catches,” said Ron. “Two of the most important things I have learned as wildlife photographer so far this year is that you must study and know your subject, and you must have a lot of patience. “On some days I wait at the pond for hours and no Osprey will show up.  Other days there can be more than one there.” Osprey are specially adapted to catching fish using reversible outer toes, closable nostrils to keep out water during dives, and backwards-facing scales on the talons which act as barbs to help hold its catch. Although they occasionally feed on rabbits, amphibians and other small bird, fish are their main source of food and they are often found nesting next to water. Although the presence of Osprey at the pond is common enough in British Colombia, the abundance of goldfish in the water is less clear. “I have inquired about the source of the goldfish in the pond,” said Ron, from Kelowna. “It seems the most plausible story was that someone abandoned their goldfish in this pond many years back and they have been reproducing like crazy. “Since there are no other natural predators in the pond other than the Osprey and the Great Blue Heron, they are thriving.” Ron said birds were his favourite subject to capture and his ideal shoot would be Bald Eagles fishing in open water or during the salmon runs.