Osprey, Chicago Botanic Garden
The past week and a half has been catch-as-catch-can on the birding front while juggling all those other things that get in the way of it, like work, home and sleep. I have taken a lot of pictures and in the process have several unfinished posts which are barely started.
So while trying to regain some balance in my life I thought I’d show you pictures of Ospreys I took yesterday and today. Seeing an Osprey is always special. Seeing and photographing these magnificent birds in two different locations on consecutive days is almost too good to be true. I will never utter the words, “Oh no, not another Osprey.”
The picture at the top of the post is from the Chicago Botanic Garden. More images from that outing will appear in a future post. Weather-wise, what a difference a day makes. Yesterday morning was for the most part sunny and beautiful.
Chicago Botanic Garden
The following images are from this morning, under intense cloud cover. I started out a bit later and it didn’t matter, since there was very little activity until I got down to the Des Plaines River area at Ottawa Trail Woods.
Osprey on the Des Plaines River
If you click on the picture above you can see some fishermen across the river and the Osprey flying over. I followed the bird with the camera and prayed.
This bird circled back and flew over again.
I have to wonder what these powerful raptors think of somebody like me standing below, pointing a big lens up at them. They seem so nonchalant about the paparazzi.
All in a day’s work.
Loved the post about one of my favorites, too. In my collection I have some pretty good shots and I always love to get more. I love your images of one in flight. Sorry that you didn’t have a longer lens, though. But you did great with what you had. 🙂
Thanks, Bob. I have to thank my crows for letting me practice on them. It’s hard letting go of the “awe” moment as the birds are flying over, to start thinking about taking pictures. 🙂
Beautiful and magnificent!
Thanks, Linda! It was quite a surprise to see these birds two days in a row.
A great opportunity well taken.
Thank you. Sunday in particular was rewarding because it began so dismally, and to have the Osprey come from out of nowhere and show off for me was very special indeed.
these raptors are so graceful..you did well to capture their flight motion..love it.
Thanks so much, Syl. I felt lucky to be in their space!