Photographing ospreys

This osprey photography opportunity was kind of a bonus. Well, maybe a big bonus. I went out the the Bubbling Ponds by the Fish Hatchery in Page Springs, AZ to kill a little time. I met a previously unknown to me fellow photographer and his wife and shared some stories. It’s good to share stories and ideas with fellow ‘togs. Learning from peers I tend to be outgoing and enjoy meeting with folks who have the same or similar interests. In this case, it was especially nice to meet Thomas Crosby of TPC photography.com. We chatted for a bit and during the course of conversation he mentioned there was an Osprey nest. He showed me where the best spot was from which to photograph it. And bonus, there were two Osprey young getting ready to fly the nest. We went our separate ways. I went to track down some dragonflies then headed over to watch the Osprey nest. Thomas and Ruth were there as well. We watched as the young birds popped up and started exercising there wings in preparation for future flight. Osprey dad came bringing a present of a fresh fish. Managed to capture him as he approached the nest. Chow was on! Dad left and raided the pond forthwith for another delectable goody. He waited in the distance on a power pole for the first to be devoured. Have to leave the story there as I needed to finish my errands. Hope to get back before the birds fledge, but probably will miss it as I have a Milky Way Workshop starting up in Sedona. Gear Since I was just knocking around I didn’t have my tripod. Fortunately, the OM System M.Zuiko 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3 is handhold able even with the 1.4 teleconverter lens attached on the OM 1 (link for OM 1 Mark II) camera. For birds in flight my setting is Shutter Priority at 1/2500th of a sec with floating ISO. Depending on subject and brightness or subject in the frame I’ll use exposure compensation as well. Be open and friendly As a final note I recommend being open, friendly and sharing with fellow photographers. You never know what gems you may pick up or be able to share. Over the years I’ve occasionally (too often) run into the opposite feeling of, “I’m not going to share my ideas and places with you, you’ll steal them.” I’m of the opinion that a rising tide lifts all boats. Love to hear your thoughts and experiences with other photographers in the comments below. Yours in Creative Photography, Bob

Jun 27, 2025 - 17:02

This osprey photography opportunity was kind of a bonus. Well, maybe a big bonus. I went out the the Bubbling Ponds by the Fish Hatchery in Page Springs, AZ to kill a little time. I met a previously unknown to me fellow photographer and his wife and shared some stories. It’s good to share stories and ideas with fellow ‘togs.

Learning from peers

I tend to be outgoing and enjoy meeting with folks who have the same or similar interests. In this case, it was especially nice to meet Thomas Crosby of TPC photography.com. We chatted for a bit and during the course of conversation he mentioned there was an Osprey nest. He showed me where the best spot was from which to photograph it. And bonus, there were two Osprey young getting ready to fly the nest. We went our separate ways. I went to track down some dragonflies then headed over to watch the Osprey nest. Thomas and Ruth were there as well.

Meet Thomas Crosby. Here’s his Instagram page.

One head popped up while another exercised wings for future flight. mom’s looking off in the distance from the right side of the nest.

We watched as the young birds popped up and started exercising there wings in preparation for future flight. Osprey dad came bringing a present of a fresh fish. Managed to capture him as he approached the nest. Chow was on! Dad left and raided the pond forthwith for another delectable goody. He waited in the distance on a power pole for the first to be devoured. Have to leave the story there as I needed to finish my errands. Hope to get back before the birds fledge, but probably will miss it as I have a Milky Way Workshop starting up in Sedona.

Incoming food for the kids! 1/2500th sec. f/9 ISO 1000 shutter priority 840mm. Full Frame equivalent field of view at 1680mm.

Signage can add to your knowledge and the story. Plenty of info about Osprey behavior. In addition, the story of how the power company set a second pole to get the Osprey to nest without live wires under their butts!

Gear

Since I was just knocking around I didn’t have my tripod. Fortunately, the OM System M.Zuiko 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3 is handhold able even with the 1.4 teleconverter lens attached on the OM 1 (link for OM 1 Mark II) camera. For birds in flight my setting is Shutter Priority at 1/2500th of a sec with floating ISO. Depending on subject and brightness or subject in the frame I’ll use exposure compensation as well.

Be open and friendly

As a final note I recommend being open, friendly and sharing with fellow photographers. You never know what gems you may pick up or be able to share. Over the years I’ve occasionally (too often) run into the opposite feeling of, “I’m not going to share my ideas and places with you, you’ll steal them.” I’m of the opinion that a rising tide lifts all boats.

Love to hear your thoughts and experiences with other photographers in the comments below.

Yours in Creative Photography,

Bob