Erik Rosengren, FPSA, PPSA  


Osprey Aerial Spat by Erik Rosengren, FPSA, PPSA

November 2021 - Osprey Aerial Spat

About the Image(s)

How I did it—Sept, 2020 found my FAB 5 Group in one of our favorite spots, Ft DeSoto. As we were walking one of the beaches I noticed two Osprey in the middle of an aerial spat. My shudder was pressed 20+ times. I felt this submission showed the peak of the action. Tools for the day, Canon 7D Mark 11 linked up with a Canon 100-400 f4-5.6 IS 11 lens, shot off hand. Auto ISO, f8, 1600th of a sec. Image was cropped, run through my standard work flow in Camera Raw. The image was so sharp that I didn’t run it through HI Clear. This “Honey Hole” never ceases to amaze.


This round’s discussion is now closed!
6 comments posted




Dr Isaac Vaisman   Dr Isaac Vaisman
Erik, the osprey in the front most likely did something he should not have done, or the other osprey is defending his territory and mate. Super sharp image at the peak of the action. Interesting how the one in the front is looking back. The total separation of the birds improves the image.   Posted: 11/01/2021 17:53:45



Vella Kendall   Vella Kendall
What a great shot of one my favorite birds. You are correct about the sharpness, the eye really pops. I love how one can see the talons. There no hot spots. What a joy when it all comes together.   Posted: 11/01/2021 22:22:38



R Gary Butler   R Gary Butler
Erik, this is a great action image. I love the detail and the sharpness. For me this p[icture tells a story as I notice the the attacking bird has the talons out and the attacker is in a total defensive position.

Two pieces of information that would also be helpful to me are - What was the metering mode (Center Spot Weighted)? What was the focusing mode? On the 5D Mark IV I use 9 point for aerial birds. Not sure what the 7D provides. Thanks for sharing.   Posted: 11/08/2021 15:28:16
Erik Rosengren   Erik Rosengren
I use evaluative metering most of the time and most of my flight shots are in Aperture Priority. When shooting in flight birds, with the Sun at my back, Manuel @ f8.   Posted: 11/19/2021 19:40:17



Guy Davies   Guy Davies
Erik, what a superb action shot. Sharpness and exposure are excellent and you have caught them with good visual separation - not easy with fast moving action. I admire your ability to use a big canon and 100-400 lens hand held and get such results.   Posted: 11/17/2021 09:10:59



Ian Chantler   Ian Chantler
Hi Erik
Another nature masterpiece from the maestro you never fail to amaze me with your skill at capturing nature as it is, the different attitudes of the 2 birds is fascinating and a brilliant study in behaviour never thought I could have a favourite of your shots love them all but this is number 1 for me.   Posted: 11/17/2021 11:56:53