Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Osprey fly by, Point Reyes National Seashore

Osprey in flight in Point Reyes National Seashore - Pat Ulrich Wildlife Photography

I had this unexpected encounter with an osprey on a hike a few weeks ago on Tomales Point in Point Reyes National Seashore. My goal for the trip was to photograph the tule elk in velvet antlers, and as I dropped into a wildflower-covered valley I started photographing some sparrows as they hopped around on the lupine. Then at one moment I happened to look up and saw this osprey go cruising by at a low altitude. I was already working on my tripod at full height, so I was able to pan with the bird fairly successfully, and managed to snap off a few sharp frames as it shot by.

Osprey in flight

View more of my birds of prey photos.

Submitted to the World Bird Wednesday blog meme -- Follow the link to check out this week's posts.

14 comments:

  1. beautiful. nice sharp eye on the fly!

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  2. Fantastic flight captures.
    A beautiful bird to see.

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  3. That's really cool, Pat. So where is this wildflower-filled valley? ;)

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  4. Great shots Pat!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

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  5. Great photos. I always enjoy watching the local ospreys.

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  6. Wonderful captured! What a beautiful bird!

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  7. Excellent flight capture, Pat. Perfect exposure, difficult to manage with bright sky as background.

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  8. Fantastic BIF Pat! I love watching Osprey. Yesterday I observed a family of Osprey, which had 3 chicks.

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  9. Great flight captures! Ospreys are such beautiful birds.

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  10. Great shots. He has a mean look in his eye.

    Did you get your elk shots as well?

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  11. Osprey are up there with my favorite bird. Always nice to capture them in flight!

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