"OK, c'mon back... c'mon back... c'mon back..."
CRASH
"Stop!"
We might be sitting in our back room and I would suddenly hear a huge splash just outside the back door, then looking out just in time to see an Osprey lifting off from the surface of our lake with a big fish. Not to miss a photo opportunity, I then run to get the camera and sit out on the patio, waiting for a repeat performance that never happens.
One morning I stationed myself out there, resolving not to move until the Osprey came by. Finally, the big moment arrived. With camera at the ready, I watched as the big raptor circled above me, banked away a bit, then suddenly dove straight down towards the shore on the opposite the side of the lake. It was a golden opportunity
"He's looking down! Click!...
...Click!...
...Hovering! Click!...
...Diving! Click!...
...Click!...
...(no click)...
...SPLASH!!!...
...Click!"
The action had taken place so quickly that I could not depress the camera shutter quickly enough! I had left the shutter in single shot mode! The Osprey left empty-taloned.
At Wadokohatchee Wetlands in Palm Beach County I anticipated another "golden opportunity," as an Osprey wheeled over an adjacent lake.
The Osprey disappeared behind a tree!
Undeterred, this past week I saw an Osprey fishing on the far side of the Harbour Lakes impoundment in our local wetlands. This bird was either incompetent, unlucky, or both, as it made repeated unsuccessful dives. I caught the "Splash!" this time, but not the dive.
so cool though! you still showed great action!!
ReplyDeleteI love the flight shots anyway (I can't ever get them). (And I'm hoping the picture I got this afternoon on of a couple of ospreys sitting on a pole is good enough to use... my expectations are much lower.)
ReplyDeleteI guess the punchline for your joke now is "Splash" instead of "Crash"!
I would have to say, they are awesome shots Ken, even without the fish!
ReplyDeleteIn trying for "the" shot, you have produced many "wonderful" photographs, Ken! Keep trying for that special shot - just think how many more great shots you'll be getting!
ReplyDeleteI like the photos - of course! - but I like the story of how you got them even better - it gives me motivation to try again for those shots I haven't yet managed!
ReplyDeleteYou'll get it:) It is tricky......and sometimes they throw me off when they are about to dive. I had an accidental viewing and was able to get pics but it was unexpected. Thankfully they like to make routine runs:) Awesome shots and I enjoyed your narrative:)
ReplyDeletenot easy trying to follow them on down to the water and picking up the catch; you did well to get what you did; well done
ReplyDeleteA super series showing behaviour at its best, some you get some you don't, but best of all its good to be out trying, lovely post.
ReplyDeleteHi Fantastic shots and wonderful post.
ReplyDeleteLots of great Osprey shots!
ReplyDeleteYou got some awesome shots though!
ReplyDelete