It was an amazing summer, as we were blessed with six or seven ospreys on our part of the lake. Although ospreys are not known to remain together as a family or social flock, except as mating pairs, you could often see several drawn to the same spot when the fishing was good. It took…
The success is real. This osprey is off to the nearby trees to feast on today’s catch. Nature’s circle of life is an everyday story on Lake Wisconsin. (Lodi, Wisconsin) ≡Canon R5/RF24-240 188mm f/6.3 1/640sec iso-100
But wait, this time those mighty talons connect and grab. It’s a whopper. This is no minnow. Will the osprey’s wings be strong enough to lift its catch out of the water? (Lodi, Wisconsin) ≡Canon R5/RF100-500 500mm f/10 1/1600sec iso-640
Another missed attempt? (Lodi, Wisconsin) ≡Canon R5/RF100-500 500mm f/7.1 1/1000sec iso-400
Back up again quickly and right back down for another dive. The osprey is agile and relentless. (Lodi, Wisconsin) ≡Canon R5/RF100-500 500mm f/7.1 1/1000sec iso-125
First attempt. Only water and lake weeds. The osprey missed this one. (Lodi, Wisconsin) ≡Canon R5/RF100-500 500mm f/7.1 1/1000sec iso-320
Down. Down. Down. Wings fold in for speed. The osprey falls from the sky in a blur. They can accelerate up to 80 mph if needed. What does this bird of prey have in its sights? (Lodi, Wisconsin) ≡Canon R5/RF100-500 500mm f/7.1 1/2000sec iso-100
Things are getting serious when you see the osprey begin to hover over a single spot with the agility of a hummingbird. Eyes down, it’s about ready to make a move. Whatever lies beneath the surface has no idea it is being watched. (Lodi, Wisconsin) ≡Canon R5/RF100-500 500mm f/10 1/1600sec iso-500
This osprey is still high above the lake, maybe 100 feet or more. But it seems to be eyeing the water carefully. Is there something just below the water’s surface that is attracting its attention? (Lodi, Wisconsin) ≡Canon R5/RF100-500 500mm f/10 1/1600sec iso-400
The osprey has all the tools to be a great fisher. Not just keen eyesight, but powerful wings and mighty talons. They are certainly skilled members of the birds of prey family. (Lodi, Wisconsin) ≡Canon R5/RF100-500 500mm f/10 1/1600sec iso-500