In addition to the Ospreys I observe at the river, Ospreys have nested in a Norfolk Island Pine at beachside suburb of Cottesloe for many years. They can frequently be seen fishing in the water nearby and then enjoying their catch on a favourite rock above the water, or on one of the lights on the groyne. I took these shots over a couple of days, a week of so ago.
These birds never cease to amaze me with their tolerance of other birds. A sign of impending annoyance.....
Here's the full shot.
And here's the antagonist. A Silver Gull
The fun begins.
The Osprey merely ducks his head and never responds aggressively.
As with the Willie Wagtails over at the river, the gull then lands on the rock next to him.
The young one is joined by another gull
And all the while, surfers are doing their own thing in the waves below.
I was probably only 12' from the Osprey.
On a different day, I managed some shots of the pair of them at the groyne.
The one that had been on the light was resentful that the meal had been interrupted.
......
...
....
They carried on like this for probably two minutes. I find it really hard to judge time when I'm as absorbed as I become when I'm birdwatching.
They are much easier to photograph at the ocean because there aren't trees in the way.
Back onto the light
Last one - for now.
Absolutely amazing pics Margaret!!! Love all the action shots too and the scenery is gorgeous!
Exceptional photos, Margaret. Great clarity ..... glad to see your Osprey activity is picking up. Your blues (sky and water) are always so brilliant.
I observed that the focal length on some of your photos was 420mm. New equipment ?
Thanks Pelle. Cottesloe is a fabulous place in many different ways.
Thank you linth. No, not new equipment. Some of the ones of the Osprey on the rock was with my 300mm telephoto with the 1.4x extender. I've got the 400mm 5.6 on order but won't have it until the middle of next month as it has to come from Japan. (I think they're constructing the lens right now - LOL).
This shot was as I was leaving. Two Seagulls badgering the poor Osprey and a Pied Cormorant sitting close by looking puzzled.
Wonderful shots Margaret and love the commentary that goes with all of them. You are such a great story teller and the photos tell it so well. Thanks for the intimate view...I can't wait to see more!
Congrats on your retirement!!
Thanks Rose. Retirement is an odd word, really, isn't it? There's no way I could fit work into my schedule even after this short period of time.
Margaret, so at last the long awaited thread from yonder! Fantastic photography and the story that you're sharing. DGers are very lucky to have you on board! Thank you for being you.
That sky is ridiculously BLUE. It is fun to see them at the ocean against the sky. Have you snagged a photo of the next in the pines yet?
Great shots, every one....I wonder if that surfer in the pic with the Osprey throught you were taking his pic?
Oh, Lily, you'll have my head swelling with your compliments. Thank you. It's good to be able to post once again.
Mrs Ed, no shot of them in the pine as yet. It's not as conveniently located as the nest on the river. You reckon that's a ridiculously blue sky - that's a winter sky. Now, in summer....
Funny you should ask that, GP. I think 99% of the people in, on or around the beach area are completely unaware of these magnificent birds right in their midst. Occasionally someone may glance skywards when they see someone with a long(ish) lens pointed in that direction.
It amazes me too when I see something I think is really neat, like an Osprey flying over with a fish in his talons, and other people pay no attention whatsoever!
Funny you should ask that, GP. I think 99% of the people in, on or around the beach area are completely unaware of these magnificent birds right in their midst. Occasionally someone may glance skywards when they see someone with a long(ish) lens pointed in that direction.
I think a lot of people are just so wrapped up in their own lives, they don't really pay attention to what's around them. That's a shame. Driving home this evening I saw another Osprey that was carrying a fish back to the nest.
yah, and how many times did I see all kinds of butterflies and never know what they are and now I'm obsessed with finding new ones.
I so agree with all of you. All those small pleasures of life, are free, and a real gift from God. I'm also baffle at how little attention, people give to the beauty around them.
Margaret, so wonderful to see your pictures of the ocean, sky and birds, and people enjoying the water. Love how you put it all into words.
Absolutely gorgeous Margaret!
Thank you for your comments. Yes, I think it seems to be a common theme among us more "mature" people that we now recognize what we've paid no attention to, or have glossed over in the past because we were too absorbed in other aspects of life, some of which seems quite insignificant in the scheme of things. (I'm not including rearing a family or having a career in that comment).
These aren't the ocean Ospreys. This is a photo of Dad and his new partner, Big Hook at the nest yesterday. I plan to start a thread on them as soon as I get myself organized.
Margaret, once again I am in awe. You tell the most wonderful stories in pictures!
Super pic, Margaret. They are a stunning pair. Looking forward to a thread following them.
You have to give this handsome couple names Margaret!
Thanks folks.
Nanny, the female is "Big Hook". She's on the right in this photo from a few days ago. The male is Dad from last year - no specific name for him.
Aww they look so in love ;)
