Another osprey with a whole fish

[Diane Miller]

Not usually the case. The male mostly brings the back half of a used fish. This was a couple of weeks ago when he was still feeding the juveniles, one of whom is looking on. No matter where I stand, someone is always going to pose behind an errant twig. I would have to move probably 50 ft to "move" the twig, and there was no time for that when I spotted someone incoming.

I would definitely prefer softer light but that is rare in this area except for just after sunrise, when I can't get the light behind me, and maybe 20 minutes before sunset, by which time they are seldom active. So I'll settle for what I can get and try to work with it.

Canon 1DX2, 400 DO II + 1.4X III, ISO 1600, 1/3200 sec, f/7.1 Handheld. Tonal adjustments in LR and into PS for some NR, local tonal work and minor nest cleanup. Cropped to 47% of full frame.

[John Robinson]

Hi Diane
Great in coming shot and the fish is just right. Pity about the chick head turn but still a great grab. They don't always come spot on.
At least you got the colour right !!
John

[Diane Miller]

But of the chick was looking at ME, with a head angle of 0.005 degrees, how would that work? He's looking at his next meal. I'm not supposed to be disturbing nesting wildlife.

[John Robinson]

Diane
Not sure what you mean - but what ever. The chick is bound to be looking away. All I meant was it would be nice the other way- which of course it wouldnnt be.

John

[Eric Dienesch]

My favourite birds, you have captured a nice landing scene, the fish seems to cry NOOO

i like it !

[Jonathan Ashton]

Very nicely exposed and detailed.

[dankearl]

"But of the chick was looking at ME, with a head angle of 0.005 degrees, how would that work? He's looking at his next meal. I'm not supposed to be disturbing nesting wildlife."

John gave you a fair criticism, you chose the photo to post, looking at the back of the chicks head, he just pointed out that it is a bad view.
It has nothing to do with disturbing wildlife. If you cannot get a better view, do not post the photo or expect and accept the critique...

[Daniel Cadieux]

John is allowed to offer critique, which he did, and Diane is allowed to not agree with it, which she did. No need to take sides or point fingers.

On to the image. The landing pose is nice. I like that there is a hint of "glow" to the wing and tail feathers. Sharp. Although well exposed I'd be tempted to lower the luminosity of the brightest whites to lessen the contrast with the shadowed parts. The chick is obviously looking at its incoming meal so I have no issues with that - although having a profile pose (face-to-face with the adult) from it would have been awesome, but we take what we can at times. Your description of the nest relative to light angles throughout the day sounds like the one I've been watching!

[Adhika Lie]

I am still on the learning curve so this is one of those shots that I can only dream on for now. I can only imagine the amount of preparation that you've put together to get this shot, Diane. So, to get something like this is truly well deserved. For me, I really love the details on the underwing and the there is something satisfying about looking at the brown streaks there.

[Bob Smith]

Wonderful spread of wing and tail feathers Dianne--a timely moment in Osprey life and just right on body/head, near wing, and tail..

[Joseph Przybyla]

Awesome to see a whole fish, the mouth open adds. I can relate to the light you speak of, I fight it all the time in Florida. Thank you for sharing, Diane.

[keith mitchell]

Diane that fish does not look happy with the situation nor would I,I'm fine with the composition and we over this side would love some of your light, even though I know from personal experiences it can be difficult.Great action and lots of detail on the adult bird,very nice indeed.

Keith.