We finally left the loons in peace and continued along the drive. But in short order we came upon a snag right on the side of the road with a huge mass of sticks jumbled on top. I peered up at it as we approached and saw a pair of brilliant yellow eyes peering back.
"Stop!" I hollered, and leaned out the passenger-side window. Actually, it's more like I climbed half out the window, twisting and contorting to get the top half of me out the window and the camera up to my head. I'm sure it was quite a scene.
The Osprey was not amused.
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| "What in the world are you doing?!?" |
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| "Ugh, damn tourists!" |
It didn't take her long to get fed up with my voyeurism. After 20 seconds or so she spread her wings while I kept shooting, my arms slowly loosing feeling and my back beginning to kink.
She was facing into a very stiff wind, and without once flapping her wings she lifted up off of the nest.
I struggled to keep her in the frame, hampered by the van door and roof. I'm amazed they're even in focus.
After a few slow wing beats above the nest she turned and was swept past the front of the van, and I could no longer follow.
I love that those eyes of the osprey. That firm look. "Take care you stranger down there, don't get too close to me".
ReplyDeleteSuch a fine bird of prey. Wonderful photos, I wish I had been so lucky to get close to a bird like this.
Grethe ´)
Hi Grethe! Yes it was quite a treat. Just wish I could have done better getting her in the frame! I think the Osprey have the most arresting eyes of the raptors--very piercing and intimidating.
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