Something I witnessed last week - Ospreys

[HAB911]

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]

1. I love ospreys. There's a nesting pair near me.

I got to watch one chow down on a big fish while sitting on my back porch.

[SheltieLover]

3. I fell in love with them when Elleng had her nest

& so graciously shared pix with us as chicks developed.

[SheltieLover]

2. Wow! What fabulous pix & an awesome experience for you to see this!

Ty so much for sharing!

[Walleye]

4. Wonderful pics! Beautiful birds

[surfered]

5. Love Ospreys. When driving down our island, we often count them setting on the phone lines.

They don’t 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.

Here’s one:

https://www.necanicumwatershed.org/seaside-osprey-cam

[George McGovern]

6. Remarkable images HAB911!

[2naSalit]

7. Common in my area...

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]

8. Fantastic photos, my dear HAB911!

Breathtaking birds. Thanks so much for sharing!

[ShazzieB]

9. Love these!

Osprey are such cool birds!