Photography

HAB911

(9,637 posts) Mon May 12, 2025, 09:12 AM Monday

Something I witnessed last week - Ospreys

I wanted to share this, even though the quality and detail are lacking due to them being several thousand feet overhead with the sun backlighting, but the action is quite special. These were taken in my backyard, as I do yardwork I keep my camera with me for just such occasions.

This young Osprey was in what I would term “flight training”. The day had a strong steady wind which allowed the parent to soar effortlessly while the child was strengthening the wings or learning how to do controlled dives. From soaring the youngster would partially pull in the wings and start a dive, then abruptly flare them for an air-brake effect. They were doing this for 10 minutes directly overhead but eventually the wind moved them away and out of sight. Enjoy!
Link to most of my Osprey photos in slideshow: https://jamesdevore.smugmug.com/SPECIAL-SLIDESHOW-The-Ospreys

How high they were viewed through a 1200mm lens

The parent patiently watching

Youngster begins training

9 replies

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Something I witnessed last week - Ospreys (Original Post) HAB911 Monday OP

I love ospreys. There's a nesting pair near me. Phoenix61 Monday #1

I fell in love with them when Elleng had her nest SheltieLover Monday #3

Wow! What fabulous pix & an awesome experience for you to see this! SheltieLover Monday #2

Wonderful pics! Beautiful birds Walleye Monday #4

Love Ospreys. When driving down our island, we often count them setting on the phone lines. surfered Monday #5

Remarkable images HAB911! George McGovern Monday #6

Common in my area... 2naSalit Monday #7

Fantastic photos, my dear HAB911! CaliforniaPeggy Monday #8

Love these! ShazzieB Monday #9

Phoenix61

(18,346 posts)

1. I love ospreys. There's a nesting pair near me.

Reply to HAB911 (Original post)

Mon May 12, 2025, 09:24 AM

Monday

I got to watch one chow down on a big fish while sitting on my back porch.

SheltieLover

(67,865 posts)

3. I fell in love with them when Elleng had her nest

Reply to Phoenix61 (Reply #1)

Mon May 12, 2025, 09:42 AM

Monday

& so graciously shared pix with us as chicks developed.

SheltieLover

(67,865 posts)

2. Wow! What fabulous pix & an awesome experience for you to see this!

Reply to HAB911 (Original post)

Mon May 12, 2025, 09:41 AM

Monday

Ty so much for sharing!

Walleye

(40,154 posts)

4. Wonderful pics! Beautiful birds

Reply to HAB911 (Original post)

Mon May 12, 2025, 09:57 AM

Monday

surfered

(6,664 posts)

5. Love Ospreys. When driving down our island, we often count them setting on the phone lines.

Reply to HAB911 (Original post)

Mon May 12, 2025, 10:06 AM

Monday

They don’t nest in our area, but many reside year round, dining on the plentiful mullet.

We often visit the NW Coast and enjoy seeing their large nests.

Here’s one:

https://www.necanicumwatershed.org/seaside-osprey-cam

George McGovern

(6,250 posts)

6. Remarkable images HAB911!

Reply to HAB911 (Original post)

Mon May 12, 2025, 10:50 AM

Monday

2naSalit

(96,823 posts)

7. Common in my area...

Reply to HAB911 (Original post)

Mon May 12, 2025, 11:00 AM

Monday

Those are great pictures!

They do build large nests and sometimes compete with the eagles over them. Their entire diet is fish and, studies have shown, they usually don't mate until they are around seven years old as they need to be masters at fishing to feed their young. It takes about ten weeks after hatching for them to leave the nest, their parents still feeding them for a time so that's a lot of fish to catch.

They're fun to watch. If you go fishing, look for the Osprey, that's where the fish are.

CaliforniaPeggy

(153,805 posts)

8. Fantastic photos, my dear HAB911!

Reply to HAB911 (Original post)

Mon May 12, 2025, 11:47 AM

Monday

Breathtaking birds. Thanks so much for sharing!

ShazzieB

(20,627 posts)

9. Love these!

Reply to HAB911 (Original post)

Mon May 12, 2025, 03:02 PM

Monday

Osprey are such cool birds!

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