"Prepare to dive! Prepare to dive!"
Uploaded: February 28, 2008
This photo was taken shortly before the dive and the photo "Osprey Scissorhands" and the images that followed.
f/8, 1/1250, ISO 500, AWB, center weighted average, lens Canon EF 400mm L, handheld, south shore of Lake Apopka near Orlando, Oakland Nature Preserve, 2/25/08
Exif: F Number: 7.1, Exposure Bias Value: 0.67, ExposureTime: 1/1250 seconds, Flash: did not fire, compulsory flash mode, ISO: 500, White balance: Auto white balance, FocalLength: 400.00 mm, Model: Canon EOS 40D
Dawn M. Schneider March 03, 2008
Wow what a great capture. I love the color of this bird and clarity. Ive never seen this type of bird before. #5586610Robert G. Stalnaker March 03, 2008
Hi Dawn. The field guides categorize the osprey as "uncommon" but here in Florida, with all our lakes, they are very common. Fish is the only food so there must be lots of lakes. Florida has the most year-round residents. In most areas of the country, they migrate through. Some also spend the summer in the far northwest, eastern seacoast and far north.They present great photo ops. For one, they "hover" like a hummingbird--very impressive sight since the wingspan is over five feet in length. The above photo was taken as it started to go into a "hover". They are the only raptor that will dive into the water to catch a fish. Best of all, at least here in Florida, the photographer can get close to them. #5589156
Linda A. Braddock March 04, 2008
Robert, This is Beautiful! Hard to believe you handheld the camera. I am still trying to get better pictures of the wild hawks around my house. I have learned not to use too fast an ISO, but just learned the hard way. Beautiful pictures. Linda #5592701Robert G. Stalnaker March 05, 2008
Hi Linda. It is not easy handholding that 400mm. I am still learning how to use it, as both the lens and camera are brand new. Eventually, I will get a Wimberley Head that will make it easier. I was real pleased the way this photo turned out. I got this lens specifically for birds in flight.Linda, I got tell you, the second I saw your Red-shoulders in "Get from under that straw" I immediately made you a favorite of mine. That is a terrific scene you captured there! #5598885
William Johnson March 06, 2008
Terrific image of the beautiful bird in flight Robert. Great exposure and clarity. Bill J. #5601985Bill Houghton March 07, 2008
Incredible shot Robert. Nice going. Thanks so much for your comment on my Heron. BillCheck out my personal website at:
Bill Houghton Photography
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Raymond Pauly March 14, 2008
Hello Robert. I think this shot should have gotten EFP. Very nice in flight capture. You have pretty good captures here. I like the ospreys specially.Robert G. Stalnaker March 14, 2008
Hello Bill, Bill and Raymond. Thanks for visiting. I find great joy in visiting your wonderful galleries and I hope you found some photos you enjoyed here. I see many photos of wildlife here from so many members that easily could be appearing in Audubon and National Wildlife Federation magazines, et al. (I am anxious to know about that magnificent white-tailed kite, Raymond)!!! #5644402Candice L. Carter May 04, 2008
Another excellent shot! I love the crispness of the photograph and the brillant blue BG! Lovely! #5883259Sign up for an interactive online photography course to get critiques on your photos.
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