I wrote recently about photographing birds in flight. I also had read several posts on other people’s blogs on the subject. I thought you may be interested in seeing these photographs that I pulled from my archives.
It is a series of images that I took of an Osprey coming in to snatch his meal from the water. I first published these photos about three years ago. I was using my 100-400mm lens. I acquired the osprey in my auto-focus just before he started his dive. I had only to press the shutter that was set for hi-speed burst, then pan the camera as I followed him to the water. He was faster than I expected and my first image had him already with the fish in his talons. Except for the first and final photo these images are right from the camera.
Osprey on the hunt.
Osprey – making contact
After he was in the air with the fish securely in his talons, he then circled around to make this victory pass. I was lucky to catch him as he passed in front of me. This image is the final cropped and edited photo.
Get the fry pan ready, Mama.
I hope you enjoyed this series of a creature of the wild, doing what comes naturally. Click on any image to see an enlargement.
Great series Bob!
Thanks, Dave.
Wonderful images as always, Bob. I really enjoy admiring your work and reading your thoughts on capturing the shot. Best wishes for great light! ~ Susan
Susan, nice to hear from you. Thank you so much for those glowing compliments. I really appreciate it. Looking forward to another post from you. Bob
What a fabulous series of shots!!! Wow!!
Thank you very much, Amy.
Spectacular Bob, thanks for the osprey fix! Our osprey left August/Sept. last year and return to the Chesapeake Bay area mid-March (or most around here say St. Patrick’s Day). But a few come sooner, my first sighting last year was March 5th and it was one of our locals on the Rt 50/310 corridor. It’s almost Osprey Time here, can’t wait! 🙂
Thanks, Donna. I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
This blog earned a Bean’s Pat as blog pick of the day. Check it out at http://patbean.wordpress.com
Thanks, Pat. I appreciate your comment, and also appreciate the Bean Pat. 🙂
These are spectacular, Bob. Great captures all. 🙂
Thanks very much, Lisa.
What a great set of photos, Bob! I love to watch ospreys. They should be heading back up this way in another month or so. When they come, we know spring is really here!
Thank you so much, Judy. I am ready for spring, too. 🙂
Very nice series, Bob and I can even see how their talons are shaped for grabbing the prey..
Thanks, Jane, for your nice comment. That is pretty common for all of the raptors, hawks, etc.
Whoa. That top photo is award-winning. Good job, Bob.
Thank you very much, Terraburrah. I appreciate it.
Another in a never-ending series of great stories. Of course, I immediately posted it on my facebook page and on my bird blog. Well done, Bob.
Thank, Jim. I am glad you are enjoying my posts. 🙂
Just gorgeous…thank you Bob
Thank you, (anonymous). I wish you had signed your name. I know a lot of Anonymouses. 🙂
One of your best yet, Bob!
Thanks so much, Toby. They do seem to be getting better. I guess the more I practice, the luckier I get. 🙂
Nature is so amazing..great series..
Thanks very much, Syl.
Great series! the Color of the bird, especially in the last shots terrific.
Thank you very much, Victor. Your comments are much appreciated.