Fresh Catch

Gallery: AvianPosted May 9, 2011228 views7 comments

Osprey are plentiful around here (though not like they are in Florida) and I've seen them with fish many times. However, only a couple times have I seen them actually catch the fish, or with a freshly caught fish. Usually I spot them eating it or have eaten half and are bringing the remaining fish to their nest. Well on Friday I visited a section of the Peconic River I'd only been to once and within 1 minute this Osprey flew from behind trees downstream with this Alewife (a member of the Herring family), saw me and made a U-turn which is captured here. My techs weren't perfect since I'd just arrived at the site but good enough to make the capture. This is full frame +. I had to add some canvas to the bottom of the image.

Nikon D300s 300 f4 + 1.7X TC HH
f/7.1
1/1250s
ISO400

Full Frame, Canvas Added, Sharpened, Levels Adjustment, all in CS5 on 27" iMac

- Luke

Comments

7 comments

Comment posted by Brian Gatlin on May 10, 2011 at 9:21 AM

full frame with prey and a dramatic angle, but the light sure worked against you, Luke.

Registered on March 21, 2009, 202 Posts, 4187 Comments

Comment posted by Keith Bauer on May 10, 2011 at 2:51 PM

Really dynamic pose. Gotta love that fish hanging out there with one talon. The light here was not helpful. Certainly could use some light in the top part of that upper wing.

Registered on November 20, 2003, 458 Posts, 4836 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Bielefeld on May 10, 2011 at 4:15 PM

Great dynamics Luke, but the light just did not work here. Given these birds are plentiful, I would keep after them while they are there.

Registered on December 6, 2008, 360 Posts, 7132 Comments

Comment posted by David Sparks on May 10, 2011 at 5:40 PM

Luke:
Nits covered by others already. I agree with Ron's suggestion - keep working this area while the birds are there! This would be an awesome shot with better light.

Registered on May 26, 2007, 290 Posts, 4270 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on May 11, 2011 at 5:39 AM

Dynamic image, I like it Luke!
You managed the tough light well, never easy..
Great shot as posted

Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments

Comment posted by Wayne Willison on May 11, 2011 at 5:11 PM

I agree, the light is tough. But the pose is one of pure action. Glad you posted it, Luke.

Registered on April 10, 2009, 292 Posts, 3967 Comments

Comment posted by Marsel van Oosten on May 12, 2011 at 5:03 PM

Cool shot Luke. Not the best of light, but great action. Well done.

Registered on March 9, 2004, 285 Posts, 2277 Comments