Osprey in Flight

Osprey
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
April 8, 2022

Osprey with Boat
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
April 8, 2022

I sat on the beach, during Happy Hour, last evening trying to capture an Osprey in flight as it was hunting. It was hard to get the camera to focus in the correct spot as the osprey flew overhead. The focus was slow and the osprey was agile on the light wind. 

I did finally get one image that is passable; the osprey with its wings outstretched in flight--but that is all that can be seen. I had tried to get something else in the field of view to make the scene more exciting, but the sun angle and the flight of the osprey made that difficult. 

But I did manage a couple others that show what I wanted--just not exactly what I was trying to image.

It was fun, and I was actually very lucky because at one time there were three ospreys in flight within my field of view. The evening was perfect.. The lighting was low on the horizon as the sun was beginning to set. And the ocean was nearly flat. A perfect Friday Happy Hour on the beach to celebrate the end of the week.  

Osprey on the Cloud
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
April 8, 2022

It was a very good week and I will miss the ability to enjoy a perfect ending to the day on the beach. The turtles have not started nesting in great numbers yet--but I expect that when I return in August there will be many turtle nests along the stretches of sand that I most enjoy.

Wintering in Florida has been idyllic. I have a lot to do as I prepare to return to Maryland and get into a new rhythm there for my retired life. I have been there only 8 days thus far during this year and have not developed a daily rhythm as I have here in Florida. 

Mundane tasks await me in Maryland such as mowing lawns, opening and maintaining the pool, and preparing the house for sale. Downsizing is going to be difficult--but, necessary. I also want to play golf--more golf than I have played here in Florida, but then,  Have really been enjoying riding my bicycle and I don't want to push my stamina too much by riding a bike AND playing golf on the same day. 

But today, I want to enjoy the beach, the sun, the sand and the ospreys soaring overhead.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL