Photography
Related: About this forumSomething I witnessed last week - Ospreys
I wanted to share this, even though the quality and detail are lacking due to them being several thousand feet overhead with the sun backlighting, but the action is quite special. These were taken in my backyard, as I do yardwork I keep my camera with me for just such occasions.
This young Osprey was in what I would term flight training. The day had a strong steady wind which allowed the parent to soar effortlessly while the child was strengthening the wings or learning how to do controlled dives. From soaring the youngster would partially pull in the wings and start a dive, then abruptly flare them for an air-brake effect. They were doing this for 10 minutes directly overhead but eventually the wind moved them away and out of sight. Enjoy!
Link to most of my Osprey photos in slideshow: https://jamesdevore.smugmug.com/SPECIAL-SLIDESHOW-The-Ospreys
How high they were viewed through a 1200mm lens

The parent patiently watching

Youngster begins training








Phoenix61
(18,887 posts)I got to watch one chow down on a big fish while sitting on my back porch.
SheltieLover
(81,683 posts)& so graciously shared pix with us as chicks developed.
SheltieLover
(81,683 posts)Ty so much for sharing!
Walleye
(45,406 posts)surfered
(14,261 posts)They dont nest in our area, but many reside year round, dining on the plentiful mullet.
We often visit the NW Coast and enjoy seeing their large nests.
Heres one:
https://www.necanicumwatershed.org/seaside-osprey-cam
George McGovern
(12,886 posts)2naSalit
(103,806 posts)Those are great pictures!
They do build large nests and sometimes compete with the eagles over them. Their entire diet is fish and, studies have shown, they usually don't mate until they are around seven years old as they need to be masters at fishing to feed their young. It takes about ten weeks after hatching for them to leave the nest, their parents still feeding them for a time so that's a lot of fish to catch.
They're fun to watch. If you go fishing, look for the Osprey, that's where the fish are.
CaliforniaPeggy
(156,966 posts)Breathtaking birds. Thanks so much for sharing!
ShazzieB
(22,870 posts)Osprey are such cool birds!
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