ID please on this Perthshire bird of prey

[Mike Bell]

I'm not a bird photographer but while doing some landscapes I shot this bird of prey. I would love to know what it is. Can you help.

The lens was the 70-200 f4 L but it was quite far away so they are not great shots and are both virtually 100% crops:

http://static.flickr.com/47/141011485_f572c78937_o.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/46/141011487_1072ca58d3_o.jpg

[nitsch]

Wow great catch Mike! Well done. Looks very much like an Osprey to me. Fantastic. It must have been an awesome sight. :)

[PacAce]

Yes, I can confirm what Nick said. That is an Osprey. Nicely done.

[Mike Bell]

Thank you both of you. I can remember when ospreys were so rare in the UK the few nests in Northern Scotland were protected day and night. Nice to know they are thriving in Perthshire.

Here is the nest:

http://static.flickr.com/54/141023397_a93d3cdc96_o.jpg

[lomond]

Great shots, Mike, of a magnificent bird.

Before everybody rushes out to photograph these birds remember it's an offence in the UK to disturb a nesting osprey ( and other protected species ).

[Mike Bell]

Thanks for pointing that out, Lomond. I was just doing tree shots when I realized there was a big bird above me so changed lenses and took a few shots. Then I saw the nest, took this one nest shot and then moved away to give them peace. I won't say where it is - Perthshire is a big county!

[lomond]

Thanks for pointing that out, Lomond. I was just doing tree shots when I realized there was a big bird above me so changed lenses and took a few shots. Then I saw the nest, took this one nest shot and then moved away to give them peace. I won't say where it is - Perthshire is a big county!

I, and probably most of us here, would do the same.
Good idea not to mention the exact location, although they are normally well protected.

[Ferco]

those are some amazing shots!!! an amazing bird!! Def and Osprey!!! amazing!!!!

[apatchy]

Nice captures mike and well done on not disturbing them, somethings are best kept secret.

[Dimitri_V]

those are some amazing shots!!! an amazing bird!! Def and Osprey!!! amazing!!!!

I will second Richard,good catch Mike.

[Gary Fairhead]

Very nice shots of the Osprey and nice to hear they are making a comeback in Scotland.