I went to a spot where I knew there was an Osprey nest today to see what I could see... The light was bad and the nest was too distant for good shooting from the roadside pullout (and with my son in his car seat I can't exactly leave the truck ), but when one of the pair left, the other bird soon headed for a pine near to another loop in the road. I didn't expect it to still be in the tree by the time I packed up and drove over there, but the bird exceeded my expectations...

All shot with the Tamron SP 400mm f/4 with the Tamron Adaptall 1.4x TC (exif indicating 800mm is because I forgot to change the focal length setting when I swapped out the 2x TC for the 1.4x TC - luckily with the tripod, I was either using the two sec. timer or the SR was switched off so this didn't mess me up...). From the point where I originally set up I was able to move about ten feet closer at one point, but the significantly closer images are crops...

Below each shot is a link to see it 1024 px. wide...

1.

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2.

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3.

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4.

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My two favorites of the series...

5.

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6.

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Comments, critique, suggestions are all welcome . I especially want to hear if these look over-sharpened or over-saturated etc. to you. I'm working on getting my post processing dialed in, and I'm making some progress I think, but please shout out if this processing looks overdone...

[daacon]

I like them - damn nice of the osprey to land on an unobstructed branch and wait for you. Nice bokeh on the shots.

[roentarre]

So majestic and beautiful. Great captures!

[gawan]

Osprey it is! Thanks, learned a new word again! Great shots, the third is stunning!

[heliphoto]

I like them - damn nice of the osprey to land on an unobstructed branch and wait for you. Nice bokeh on the shots.

Thanks Dave - I was amazed that he stayed there while I walked over and setup about 70 ft. (21m) away and slightly above him. Looking at that branch, I think he goes there often - I'll be back.

So majestic and beautiful. Great captures!

Thanks James.

Osprey it is! Thanks, learned a new word again! Great shots, the third is stunning!

Thank you Georg. Glad to teach a word now and then .

[jgredline]

Impressive...I would say it is more the fellow behind the view finder than the equipment though!.

[sawtooth235]

Josh,

Nice series. I seem to recall a circumstance where a bird was very cooperative with me and my revitalized Vivitar 300mm recently as well. Maybe they are going to be more cooperative as a group this year, LOL.

Ray

[Jimbo]

Really nice series Josh. I like #5 the best along with the last one. JIM

[Jewelltrail]

That is some seriously nice work. I have wanted to, but have never been able to photograph one of these birds.

[palmor]

Great series!

[heliphoto]

Impressive...I would say it is more the fellow behind the view finder than the equipment though!.

Thanks Javier.

Josh,

Nice series. I seem to recall a circumstance where a bird was very cooperative with me and my revitalized Vivitar 300mm recently as well. Maybe they are going to be more cooperative as a group this year, LOL.

Ray

Thanks Ray - perhaps they're plotting against us... Have you seen "The Birds" lately?

Really nice series Josh. I like #5 the best along with the last one. JIM

Right on Jim... Gotta agree with ya there, those are the shots where he's showing the most character.

That is some seriously nice work. I have wanted to, but have never been able to photograph one of these birds.

Well, have I got the spot for you . Thanks for the compliment, the bird really worked with me this time.

Great series!

Thanks palmor! I don't think they compete with some of your owl shots, but I'm pretty happy. I plan to go back and try to get closer to their nest soon. I haven't had a good case of poison oak lately, this may be my chance .

[heliphoto]

Here's a tighter crop on #5...

[Peter Zack]

1 and 2 are really good shots and look great. Nicely done! The first crop held up very well also and I really like how he's framed by the branch below and pine needles above. Great stuff.

Very nice work Josh, what a handsome fella you captured.

[8540tomg]

Nice series Josh. I especially liked the crop on #5.

Tom G