Playtime

Gallery: AvianPosted January 26, 2011175 views8 comments

At San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary (SJWS) it was a slow morning. I was heading back to the parking area when I notice two Ospreys flying around a artificial nesting structure. I moved to a location where the site was a little clear of buildings in the background. I should have increased the f stop but I think I got this as sharp as I could. I could not get close and I had to crop down to 25% of the original image to eliminate the buildings. I had buildings on both the right and left of the birds. I cloned out a small amount of roof on the LR. I really enjoyed the show but I wish I could have got closer. We hope they are courting and will mate and nest there.

Comments are appreciated.

01-26-11 10:30 a.m.
Canon 7D
300 2.8L + 1.4 ext
f/6.3
1/5000
ISO 500
Exposure Comp none
Tripod

Comments

8 comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on January 27, 2011 at 12:51 AM

Excellent action!
As good as you could get, with the circumstances you describe.
A little additional sharpening would help, I think.
Nice!
Sandy

Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on January 27, 2011 at 1:00 AM

Quite an acrobatic display you captured. The nest stand isn't ideal but does give some context to the play behavior.

Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on January 27, 2011 at 8:31 AM

Nice job with both birds in focus, awesome aerial display here.
Yes - closer would have been better..
The nesting structure isn't going anywhere, so I'll be looking for the sequel Harry.

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

Comment posted by Mia McPherson on January 27, 2011 at 8:34 AM

Harry,

You caught some great action in this photo and although the artifical nesting platform isn't ideal it does add to the story because it might be why these birds are exhibiting the action seen here.

As posted this seems a bit dark, you could increase the exposure globally +0.18 to help with that. It appears that this was taken later in the morning because of the deeper shadows, I would try earlier or later in the day for better light. I hope you will go back, they do seem to be exhibiting courtship/nest defense behavior.

Registered on June 25, 2007, 491 Posts, 12566 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on January 27, 2011 at 9:58 AM

Great action, Harry and reasonable detail for the crop. I haven't read the reviews, but the new Canon 2.0 TC may be better than the old one (though I hear it's absurdly expensive). It would get you a bit more reach.

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

Comment posted by Lucy VanSwearingen on January 27, 2011 at 3:34 PM

very cool. The one on the right looks like the mythical griffin!

Registered on May 23, 2009, 800 Posts, 2042 Comments

Comment posted by Dan Moore on January 27, 2011 at 7:21 PM

If that is courtship --I do not want to be an Osprey! They look like they mean business with those tallons. great post.

Dan

Registered on February 11, 2010, 143 Posts, 1248 Comments

Comment posted by richard remington on January 27, 2011 at 9:44 PM

Harry,

What an amazing capture of Osprey action. You have the perfect moment in time right here.

Rick

Registered on March 12, 2010, 105 Posts, 368 Comments