Below the Radar

Gallery: AvianPosted April 16, 20182,135 views11 comments

<div>'Below the Radar' is an image from the Ocala National Forest Florida on the Ocklawaha River. I am amazed at the timing of the Osprey as he was skimming the water. The angle of the sun was perfect to capture the water reflection under the wing which adds interest to this shot IMO. Hand held from boat, 70% of full frame.

Please see large version for best detail

File Name RAMY0571_CF95
Camera Model Canon EOS-1D X Mark II...
Shooting Date/Time 3/2/2018 4:11:15 PM
Author Mike Ramy
Copyright Notice CopyRight Rock Art, Ltd All Rights Reserved
www.mikieproductions.com
Shooting Mode Shutter-Priority AE
Tv(Shutter Speed) 1/1600
Av(Aperture Value) 8.0
Metering Mode Evaluative Metering
Exposure Compensation 0
ISO Speed 640
Auto ISO Speed OFF
Lens EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM +1.4x III
Focal Length 560.0mm</div>

Comments

11 comments

Comment posted by Charles Gangas on April 16, 2018 at 11:25 AM

Incredible shot Mike. Perfectly timed to show a very rare behavior. I wasn’t aware this technique was in the Ospreys arsenal. devil

Registered on August 12, 2009, 544 Posts, 2414 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on April 16, 2018 at 12:26 PM

Very cool, Mike. Was this Osprey cruising along the surface or had it just grabbed a fish? The double splash behind the bird adds a lot to this image. Very well done.

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

Comment posted by Mike Ramy on April 16, 2018 at 1:16 PM

Thanks for taking the time to comment Charles and Dennis,
This fellow was skimming the water cleaning his talons and I was able to get several shots as he went past the boat. This was my favorite with his chest just touching the water and because of his angle to me. They also skim this way to drink the water by dipping their lower beck in and scooping it up.

Registered on June 16, 2012, 567 Posts, 2809 Comments

Comment posted by Philip Hodgkins on April 16, 2018 at 1:38 PM

Amazing! Not just a pretty shot, but actually telling a behavior story that is new to me, and I'm sure to many others. Anybody can make a good shot, but very few are good story tellers. devil

Registered on July 24, 2006, 2741 Posts, 12349 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Leggett on April 16, 2018 at 1:39 PM

Mike, pretty cool catching this guy skimming along so close to the water, almost like a planing boat. I thought it was fishing, but know that they usually hover then attack from a steeper angle. So after reading your comment I realized it was a behavior I've never seen. Thanks for the clarification.

Registered on July 21, 2004, 706 Posts, 3233 Comments

Comment posted by John Tobias on April 16, 2018 at 2:40 PM

Must look at this photo large! Quite a shot! Impressive, techs look fine. Great timing on your part. Thanks very much for sharing this image/behavior with us.

Registered on September 12, 2009, 2120 Posts, 6455 Comments

Comment posted by Steve Thompson on April 16, 2018 at 4:57 PM

What a unique capture Mike. I love that you caught it's chest skimming the water. Beautiful image!

Registered on August 7, 2014, 125 Posts, 2319 Comments

Comment posted by Kurt Bowman on April 16, 2018 at 9:03 PM

That is one funky behavior Mike! Never seen that one before. Great timing on nabbing this and thanks for posting. Put a smile on my face and I needed one today.

Registered on June 19, 2008, 1005 Posts, 8028 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Hansen on April 17, 2018 at 1:03 PM

This is really nice Mike! I actually got a similar osprey shot a couple of years ago. Like others, I just assumed it was a missed attempt at catching a fish. Thanks for your insight on this. Makes sense that it would be cleaning talons and or drinking with an approach like this. I will try to post my version soon.

Registered on May 5, 2011, 161 Posts, 908 Comments

Comment posted by David Schoen on April 18, 2018 at 7:50 PM

Excellent shot!! It really needs to be seen large to be appreciated. Fascinating behavior and action. I have several Ospreys that visit my area and I will watch for this.

Registered on November 6, 2006, 1213 Posts, 4587 Comments

Comment posted by Ed Williams on June 4, 2018 at 5:48 PM

Cool shot Mike. This looks vaguely familiar. I love the con trail it is leaving behind it in the water. Nice colors and nice detail for a fast flying osprey.

Registered on December 28, 2010, 636 Posts, 3499 Comments