Osprey - the launch and the catch

[LazyPhotographer]

Sometimes, ya just get lucky! If I was real lucky, the whole bird would be in focus or in frame - but I'll take what I can.

Got these Sunday, on my first excursion out of the house all by myself. :) Saw her sitting on top of a conifer (which I cloned out) and got pretty close. Watched her watch the fish for a while. Was trying to hold the camera up & focused coz I knew she would launch eventually... but even the 20d with the 100-400 is a little too heavy for the shoulder right now. Regardless, I think the 1st shot is very cool - it looks like she's swimming through the air.

The 2nd one is full-circle back towards me after the catch. Too fast & too close, I screwed up all the pics except maybe two. She looked right at me and kept going - I think if I wasn't standing there like a big dork, she might have gone back to the top of the conifer to eat her lunch. We'll never know...

http://www.onlinephotographers.com/gallery/albums/lazypics_osprey/IMG_3298bf_Osprey.jpg

http://www.onlinephotographers.com/gallery/albums/lazypics_osprey/IMG_3323af_Osprey2.jpg

Canon 20D, 100-400L IS

New pics on my website are found here: Newest Additions (http://www.onlinephotographers.com/gallery/view_album.php?set_albumName=lazypics_new)

[ctmouse]

I think that the out of focuse wings work with this picture. It shows movement.

[cfcRebel]

OMG! Another great series of shots! :shock: Nice capture, LP! #2 is priceless!
She definitely needs a pedicure. :p

[HJMinard]

Really nice, LP ... the images portray motion yet the eyes are nice and sharp. Well done!

[skade]

Nice shots!

[PhotosGuy]

I think they're great shots!

[pyterps]

I like both of them and would like the chance to get shots like this.

[tommykjensen]

Great shots.

[dewmuw]

Amazing - #1 is stunning.

[tupe]

Great photos, LP! More of what we've come to expect from you.

The second one reminds me of this:

The shepherd drives the wolf from the sheep's throat, for which the sheep thanks the shepherd as his liberator, while the wolf denounces him for the same act as the destroyer of liberty. -- Abraham Lincoln

[Turbowolf]

Excellent job on #2 ... especially since it clearly shows the fish facing foward, the only way an osprey carries a fish.

[ssim]

Fantastic shots.

[Scottes]

Awesome shots! You got the important parts in focus, so there's a winner. The first shot is truly excellent.

[CyberDyneSystems]

Amazing action shots! These are just superb!!

that fish is looking mighty forlorn ;)

[stoneylonesome]

WOW! those are fantastic. I screwed up all the pics except maybe two I wish I could screw up as good as that.
:lol: :rolleyes: :lol: :lol:

[Airedale1]

Spectacular! Great captures!

[froman98]

Great shots! I like how the talons look to be piercing through the fish!! Nice job.