PNW Osprey are back!

It's been a very long winter, I got my D80 shortly after they headed south for the winter last year, I've been chomping at the bit for them to come back north! Finally this week my (mine because I've never seen anyone else shooting them) Osprey are back!

These are all hand held with the D80 + 70-300 VR and pretty heavily cropped, the light pole their nest is on is a very tall one.

NIKON D80    ---    300mm    f/8.0    1/800s    ISO 320

NIKON D80    ---    300mm    f/8.0    1/800s    ISO 125

NIKON D80    ---    300mm    f/7.1    1/1000s    ISO 250

NIKON D80    ---    300mm    f/11.0    1/800s    ISO 640

A few more shots are at http://s96.photobucket.com/albums/l185/handcannons/Birds/Osprey 2007/ as I get more (and better, I hope) shots I'll add them there as well.

Now all I need is more practice, better light, a longer lens, time off to spend shooting them.....:biggrin:

 

Thanks guys. Bill, these are in Bellevue off 112th NE, at Hidden Valley park.

Afternoons are the best time for good light since they are on the east side of the park and the best areas seem to be on the north side, leaving afternoon sun coming from the right direction. Mornings are good if you want silhouettes.  

Here are a couple more for you Frank:

NIKON D80    ---    300mm    f/7.1    1/1000s    ISO 360

NIKON D80    ---    300mm    f/8.0    1/800s    ISO 220

 

Sounds good Bill. I drive through Redmond on my way to work in Bellevue, I noticed at least one was in the nest near the end of 520 at the park, that might work for a lunchtime shoot for you.

 

Today wasn't a bad day for some captures. This is a 100% crop, taken hand held with the 70-300 VR.

NIKON D80    ---    300mm    f/5.6    1/1000s    ISO 160

Hopefully this weekend I'll find some a bit closer.

 

Thanks guys.

The only nest I've seen there is on top of one of the light poles by the south field, near 112th. You get a pretty good view of the nest coming north on 112th.

If you drop by around noonish you'll probably see me there. :smile:

There's another nest near the end of 520 at Marymoor park Peter, you might be able to get some good shots there too...not today with the weather we're having, but someday. :biggrin: