I'm watching you!

Gallery: AvianPosted December 13, 201386 views6 comments

One of my favorite subjects are ospreys of which we have an incredible number in this area. I particularly like shots where the bird is making direct eye contact with me as in this shot. He was like saying, "Hey pal, can't you see I'm trying to enjoy my sushi in peace?" I love the way the shot turned out and the detailing the the feathers. I wish I could have either had some fill light or gotten the light just a few more inches over to brighten his face, but overall I was satisfied with the clarity of the shot and the intensity of the stare of the bird.

Canon 70D, Canon 100-400 L at 400mm, f5.6, 1/500, ISO 100

Comments

6 comments

Comment posted by Robert Bunch on December 14, 2013 at 9:57 AM

I like those big eyes staring down at you. It would be nice if you could see the fish a little bit better but still nice as is.

Registered on May 18, 2004, 124 Posts, 2503 Comments

Comment posted by Sandy Scott on December 14, 2013 at 10:10 AM

Thanks Robert, unfortunately the perspective was difficult with the osprey perched up on a very tall power line pole, but I have many showing the fish very clear including quite a few shots airborne carrying fish. To me, this one was all about the eye contact! I love eye contact shots with birds and other creatures!

Registered on December 6, 2013, 85 Posts, 345 Comments

Comment posted by Sharon Hallowell on December 14, 2013 at 10:33 AM

That is one overly nervous/excited bird! It looks thin, too. Sharon

Registered on November 1, 2003, 392 Posts, 4810 Comments

Comment posted by Sandy Scott on December 14, 2013 at 12:40 PM

Sharon, from my experience shooting ospreys multiple times a week, I didn't think he looked a bit nervous or thin. The ospreys in this particular park are used to seeing people and have ample fishing area and food plus lots of manmade platforms on which to build nests. I never see one take more than a couple of minutes to land its next meal with lagoons, the Gulf of Mexico and endless other water in which to feed. I have found, however, when they are feeding they get a bit protective of their catch. You can tell if they are disturbed in that they have a very distinct warning sound and typically once they make that sound, you know that you can start preparing for a BIF shot!

Registered on December 6, 2013, 85 Posts, 345 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on December 14, 2013 at 10:15 PM

Excellent dof and exposure, Sandy. I do like the stare.

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by Sandy Scott on December 14, 2013 at 10:23 PM

Dennis, thanks! I'm going to post another tomorrow with a stare, but with the bird directly above me in flight staring back down at me!

Registered on December 6, 2013, 85 Posts, 345 Comments