The Only Thing Worse Then A Tease Is A Showoff!
I spent the better part of yesterday afternoon being tormented by this osprey. It kept doing slow circles over the salt marsh apparently searching for a fish to swoop down and grab. At times it would stop and hover in mid air which is a sign the bird has spotted a fish, and then it will go into a steep dive to snatch up and pluck out the fish. This was the photo I wanted and waited for quite awhile hoping to get. But this osprey kept decoying me by hovering and then diving down right in front of me…but it would always pull up at the last instant before striking the water and then it would start the process all over again. Keep in mind there were fish visible, even to us, jumping in the water all over the place. But did this osprey ever catch one?! No it did not. It would go right back to circling around over the marsh and then fly off only to reappear in ten minutes or so and do it again. I began to take it personally and had the feeling this smug osprey was deliberately toying with me! At one point it went into an effortlessly looking ascent that must have taken it a quarter of a mile up in a matter of seconds, only to swoop back down and fly in and look at me with that face and taunting look as if to say…”Can you do that?” Of course I can’t…and this bird knew it!
Phil Lanoue Photography 
Brilliant shot…The wings are so beautiful and the sunlight from the left add the glow to the feather. Awesome!!! Cheers!!!
Thank you very much for your kind words and I’m happy you enjoyed this osprey photo!
What an expression! What a magnificent bird! I guess they’re all used to you down there in the mash now Phil. This guy was clearly having some fun with you. It may not have been the shot you wanted by but it’s a superb shot nonetheless!
This guy certainly seemed to be playing with me and I honestly do think birds like these will do things for their own amusement and entertainment simply because they can. 🙂
Wonderful shot!!!
Hey thanks, glad you like it!
Toyed with or not you still came out ahead. You got this shot and he got nothing.
Well that is true, the last time I saw the osprey he was heading off with no fish and I was going home with a usable photo! 🙂
Very nice image as usual
Thanks very much for looking and commenting!
So birds do have a sense of humour! I love the light and detail in this shot, Phil!
I think even more then a sense of humor they can be sarcastic and ironic at times but it makes sense in a way…how else would they entertain themselves?! 🙂
Thanks Maggie!
>>> ”Can you do that?” Of course I can’t…and this bird knew it! <<< *gg
Such a naughty beast! What does he think, who he is? 😉 But the photo is fantastic! ▲
He thinks he is the head bird of the marsh, and maybe sometimes he is. 😀
Glad you liked this photo!
I liked the story. The bird looks like he is telling it.
Glad you liked the photo and story. The bird was telling me something, that’s for sure. 🙂
Just think how much more you’ll appreciate the catch you want when you finally get it…. and I know you will!
I had a chance recently and that time the bird went down right in back of an object that blocked my view. Did he do this on purpose?! Yes, probably… 😀
This is a great photo. Catching birds in flight is one of the most difficult things to do in nature photography.
Thanks Jeff I appreciate you looking and commenting. I’m always trying to improve on my BIF shooting skills but the birds don’t always cooperate. 🙂
Great light on the Osprey – wonderful catch.
I’m happy you like this shot, he happened to turn into the light just enough to light his wings fairly well, that’s often the challenge.
Toying with you, eh, Phil, while it played in the thermals? Perhaps you didn’t capture it ‘attack mode’, but this is a terrific shot of this bird in full majesty. What does it have curled up in its left foot?
Yes he was, that bird had some nerve. ;-( But I’m glad you like this flight photo.
I don’t believe he has anything in that left talon, it’s just curled up. Not sure why it looks like he has one toe out on the other one though.
Beautiful Phil, great light too.
Thanks Jan I appreciate you looking and glad you like the flight pic.
HAHA ! That is hysterical Phil ! What a brilliant photo with such a determined look on his face.
I’ll tell ya it was kind of funny at first but after a while that smart ass osprey really irked my nerve. 🙂
Such symmetry in that position. I love the way the tips of the wings are spread out, and the tail feathers mirror that but differently (that probably doesn’t make any sense!)
Oh I know what you mean and good observation. This osprey was in pretty nice shape too, I often see birds like this with all kinds of jagged and missing feathers.
Great capture Phil. Nice light. Things worked out in the end for you.
Well I got a picture, not necessarily the one I really wanted but I came home with something.
Thanks and glad you like this photo Rick!
Stunning! I love all birds of prey. Along with wolves and sharks. Eek. This capture has beautiful symmetry.
Thanks very much and I really love the raptors as well! Sharks and wolves are very cool too! 😀
Thanks for looking and commenting!
You’ve made me laugh Phil.. what a story!!! The photo is incredible… definitely worth waiting for….
I’m glad I could provide a good laugh Paula, because that dopey osprey had me pulling my hair out and I can’t afford to lose more hair. 😉 😀
Thanks for checking out the osprey photo!
😀 my pleasure Phil 🙂
Such beautiful eyes!
They have excellent eyesight too Lucy, they can spot fish from very high up, but maybe this one needed glasses.
Smart bird!
Too smart for his own good maybe. 🙂
Beautiful details of wings
Thanks, glad you liked this osprey flight!
Your patience paid off! That is certainly a wonderful shot!
I am envious of your ability to capture such a stunning photo. 🙂
Well I truly appreciate your very kind comments, thanks!
Oh my, the look on its face, you’re right, he IS a showoff ! Lovely photo, Phil.
He sure is and he made fun of me too I believe. 😯 😀
Wonderful photo, Phil. He might be able to fly better than you, but can he take photos? 😀