Abstract: This study aimed to quantify foraging success of a wintering Osprey (Pandion haliaetus ) population of Africa's south coast, and relate it to weather and water variables. Cloud, temperature, wind speed and water surface variables were ranked and recorded, as were plumage details for each fishing Osprey. Birds were not marked, so individuals could not be recognised. Nevertheless, with up to four birds diving simultaneously, and observations spread over several different water bodies the sample probably represents many different Ospreys. The author shows that foraging success is very low relative to other populations, and then explore several possible reasons why.