This image was taken on my annual trip to Flamingo in the Everglades when Osprey nesting season is at prime time. We walked in through some thick ground vegetation to get this image from a nest that was very low on top of a low old dead tree. The nest was only 10 to 12 feet off the ground. We waited patiently in the early morning for an adult to come in with a fish to feed the chicks. It made a fly by the nest with the other adult and two chicks looking for their meal. It flew by the nest and to a near by tree and removed the head area of the fish before returning with the meal.
Edited in Raw, adjusted a few sliders and in Photoshop removed a twig that was in front of the fish and lessened a few shadows on the underside of the flying adult.
Canon R5, f/7.1, 1/4000 sec, ISO 800, 100 T0 500 lens at 400mm, handheld.
6 comments posted
Judith Lesnaw
A fine story of parental dedication - as well as photographer persistence. The chick on the right is twittering with anticipation. I can see the determination of the father in the intensity in his eye. His powerful wings flap in response to the urgency of his chicks' demands. If you want a tiny nit, the father is not as sharp as the chicks. You might consider selectively sharpening him. Posted: 04/04/2026 16:33:29
Mike Cohen
Great shot Tom. I know that nest and have been meaning to photograph it. Last time I was downt there I couldn't see any chicks and mom was getting to nervous when I walked into the field. The eye contact on the adults is great and it's wonderful to see the whole fish. Posted: 04/07/2026 14:23:50
Polly Krauter
Fun capture. Not sure if you plan to enter it into a 'nature' competition, but if not, you could consider flipping the flying bird so that it is flying towards the nest and see what that looks like. Either way, nice image. Posted: 04/11/2026 17:54:54
Sharon Prislipsky
I think this is a good nature story which is captured in sharp detail. I wish I could see the original uncopped image. The adult flying out of the scene with the fish lessens the impact for me, especially because the adult is so close to the left edge of the frame. Knowing the limited options imposed by PSA Nature Editing Guidelines there is not much you can do about it for nature competitons. However, for general purposes you could flip the adult or add space on the left. Try it and see what you think. Posted: 04/12/2026 13:27:54
Pamela Hoaglund
What a fun moment to witness and photograph. Some have suggested flipping the adult which would be ideal if he was flying to the nest. That is not something I have done or would probably do but always a choice. Luckily one of the chicks was looking toward the adult so we can see its face. The nest and chicks look nice and sharp. The adult is probably acceptably sharp. Your fast shutter speed worked well to stop the action. Posted: 04/12/2026 20:58:09
Ally Green
Great nature story and interesting that it flew back with the fish without the head for the chicks. Nice that you captured the chick looking up eagerly at the fish. Colour balance works well throughout and the blue sky compliments the nest and the Ospreys. Posted: 04/15/2026 19:27:29
