The Osprey Show

Nikon D40, Sigma 120-400mm zoom, f/5.6, 1/500 sec., @ 270mm

I was out on the kayak today for several hours trying to focus primarily on the ospreys. Following is a gallery of the best photos from today plus a couple from the last time.

Conditions were near perfect, with a light wind, temperatures in the 70's, and clear skies. The ospreys are adept at fishing and it is not difficult to find them near the shoreline consuming their catch. More difficult is capturing them in the act of dive bombing their prey and then leaving the water with a fish on talon. It's just a matter of time, though, before I get a good shot of "the catch."

The kayak is working out pretty well as a platform for these pictures.  Sometimes it can be a little tippy in the chop if there's any wind at all.  But it's a lot of fun maneuvering into position and getting the shot.  I'm using a monopod to stabilize the camera/lens combination, but it still requires two hands, and it becomes somewhat of a challenge trying to work the camera and keep the kayak oriented properly for the shot.  I can see that foot propulsion would be the perfect solution.

f/5.6, 1/500 sec., ISO-200, @400mm.

f/5.6, 1/500 sec., ISO-200, @ 270mm.

f/4.5, 1/1000 sec., ISO-200, @ 120mm.

f/5.6, 1/320 sec., ISO-200, @ 400mm.

f/5.6, 1/800 sec., ISO-200, @ 400mm.

f/5.6, 1/400 sec., ISO-200, @ 400mm.

f/5.6, 1/250 sec., ISO-200, @ 400mm.