Here are a few more captures from my time with some Ospreys that hang out at a small harbour just north of me who, if you have seen my previous posts, are totally at ease with me now (the extent to which can be seen below).
I have noticed one thing as I try to get an entire dive sequence that I'm happy with, that being that when one of these guys, when perched, sees a potential target fish in the water it will start to sway its head side to side whilst keenly staring at the potential target. I wonder if either this is the bird sort of range finding the target or whether its a way of seeing the fish more allowing for water ripple and wave reflections?
Either way, the moment I see their head swaying from side to side I know to prime myself for it potentially making a dive. This is helpful as these chaps can sit and wait for ages and its very much a waiting game that can go on, and on, and on....
Anyhow, on with the images, a bit of a mixed bag this time around. As always I more than welcome feedback and thanks for taking the time to look.
Osprey Turning In
by Andrew K Tingle, on Flickr
Osprey Catching Fish (The Splashdown)
by Andrew K Tingle, on Flickr
Osprey Fishing (Rising from Ocean with Prey)
by Andrew K Tingle, on FlickrIf you have seen the other posts you'll know how close these guys get to me. Here's another example. I thought this was about as close as they would fly around me (they will have me sit with them) but I was wrong....
Osprey Close Flyby
by Andrew K Tingle, on Flickrthat was close, very close, but then I had one see me, fly along the sandbar right at me. I caught it coming, as you can see below, and i was thinking, man, he's going to get REALLY close. Well, he did, he got close enough to enter the min focusing distance of the lens (4.5m) at which point I looked up from the camera's eyepiece to see the guy right there, talons extended, clearly trying to land on the end of the 500's lens hood (I jest not).
At the very last second, it powered up and just over my head, close enough to be within touching distance and close enough for me to feel the air from its winds over my head. I then watch it circle round and perch again.
Of course, I then looked desperately around to see if anyone was around with a camera of any description who may have captured the moment as I really wanted someone to have got the Osprey trying to land on the lens, but nope, no-one. Such a shame but it was an amazing moment regardless.
Osprey Getting Up Close and Personal
by Andrew K Tingle, on Flickr
