OSPREYS! The new season is underway.

Swan Osprey

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From where I was, I couldn't see the low path, but Big Hook's reaction was an indicator that there was someone down there.

Glad the trees aren't obstructing, your view of the nest. Your getting some really great shots.

Nice shots Margaret. I really like the "swan" osprey. LOL

She is gorgeous!
Great shots Margaret!

How far away are you from the nest ? Really great shots.

LEW

Burn, at this time of year, when the sun is so far north, I've been taking the shots to exploit the angle during the very brief times when the nest is lighted. Unfortunately (for photographers) the living part of the nest tree is thriving and it is becoming increasingly difficult to see them.

Thanks, GG. She went to that same stick a couple of times and was trying to nip or twist the end off, but it was just outside what whe could do without going over the edge of the nest.

Thanks, Pelle. She is a beautiful bird.

Thanks, Lew. I'd be about 80-90' from the nest. When I take shots from down on the low path, it's about 60'.

I went to the nest yesterday afternoon for about an hour and a half. I saw one Osprey fly below the nest, but otherwise, there was no activity.

That swan look is "priceless" and I love that straight on stare you're getting in the last shot. I hope everyone is starting to think of names for the future little ones, or is that bad luck?

Great photos Margaret.

Margaret, are you still using your 40D and what lens are you using to get the great shots of the osprey?

LEW

Thanks, duc. I don't know if it's bad luck, but I think usually the bird's characteristics or circumstances dictate the name.

Hi LEW. Yes I've still got the 40D. Depending on what area around the nest I'm going to, I use the 400mm 5.6, which I can hand hold, and use most of the time. If I'm going to be watching activity at the nest itself, rather than try to get flight shots, then I'll use the 500mm f4, which is a gorgeous lens, but I have to use the tripod. The whole set-up is really heavy for me (I'm a bit of a squirt), so it's not easy to move from one spot to the other. I'm thinking of a new camera body, something with a higher ISO capacity.

I haven't been to the nest for several days because of the weather, but Madame X reports frequent matings. Whopper is still around, spending time on one of the trees outside her place. We're expecting a major front through today, so it doesn't look good for going this afternoon.

I may have a camera body that I can drop kick over to you.

Oh goody.

If you can use the 400mm hand held, with those kinda shots, you are amazingly steady with your whole composure. I don't consider that a squirt at all :) I would definitely need a tripod for a 400mm, and up.

Ha ha, Burn. The 400mm is lighter than the 300mm. There's an even lighter weight Canon 400mm lens, that's faster and also has image stabilisation, which my 400mm lens doesn't have. The new 400mm costs about a squillion dollars, though. I'm usually sitting and use my knees to steady myself when I hand hold the 400mm.

Here's the reason I won't be going to the nest today.

I didn't know that about the 400mm weighing less than the 300mm. Wish I had the squillion dollars for that new 400mm lens. :(

That storm covers a large area!!! Keep safe, hope nothing bad happens to you or anybody else, while it's going through.

How much is a squillion dollars?

LOL Marna.

Twice as much as a gazillion.

Lens envy A gain ....LOL...Id better get that lottery ticket today....

Speaking of Lens envy…

Hah, I want to befriend that photographer. Just wanna try my hands on those lens. lol

you ain't the only one, sister! Remember how Margaret thought about pushing Pete over the bank? Hmmm, notice no one was around this guy… I could have been really naughty and konked him on the head. ;-)

ROFL Marna. We're something else. lol

And have you noticed that Pete hasn't been around?

Oh my world. lol Pete, come and set us straight. lol

how fast can you run...LOL..thats a big lens....I just wish I could shoot good photos with my Pocket camera..having problems ???? cant figure it out,all my photos are washed out ,like over exposure...Got the book out..LOL

Oh yes, Pete has not been around and someone has a new 500 mm lens. mmmmmmmm

Mmmmmmmmm, ummmmmmm! Tsk, tsk. lol

= )

I went to the nest this morning and hours later, I am still trying to warm up. It was FREEZING! I haven't been there for over a week because we really are in the grip of what is, for us, a severe cold snap. Big Hook and Dad were on the nest, both separately and together. I didn't see them mating during the couple of hours I was there. I did, however, see Whopper, who is now more the 9 months old. Whopper was soaring in the strong wind, squealing all the while, as Dad (on the left), and Big Hook watched on. Only one shot worth posting.

Their a beautiful couple. Lovely shot Margaret!

Thanks, Pelle and good morning.

Great shot Margaret,we just read in the paper Bald Eagles are making a strong comeback here in indiana,over a 100 nests..Lucky for us its not a bad drive to go watch them on the river..

Thats such good news, Tamara. I hope you get to see them frequently.

I forgot to tell you to stay warm..Or we will for you.. going to be a scorcher today...actually there have been sightings right here in our little county,in a housing addition, appropriately named Eagle Glen.No nests Yet.

Thanks for the "warm" wishes, Tamara. I'd rather have the cold weather than the endless heat.

Eagle Glen is a lovely name for a housing estate.

Lovely pix of the couple Margaret. Hi Tamara, it's very very hot here too.

Gorgeous shot of the couple, Margaret!!!

I am so glad to see the happy couple is still happy ;o)) Lovely shot, Mags!

What a gorgeous photo of mom and dad Margaret. You can just see their pride as they're watching their Whopper enjoying herself above them. Well done.
I do hope it will warm up for you.