Ospreys of Summer: A Collection of Photos and a Video of an Osprey Feasting
Today’s post is a special one, as I’m featuring a collection of osprey photos captured throughout the summer, showcasing their beauty, strength, and expert fishing skills. To top it off, I’ve included a video of an osprey perched on a rock, enjoying a well-earned meal after a successful catch.
Shot using Nikon Z6ii and Nikon 200-500mm at f5.6, 1/500s
The Osprey: A Summer Icon
The osprey (Pandion haliaetus) is one of the most remarkable birds of prey, known for its incredible ability to catch fish. With its distinct white head and striking yellow eyes, this raptor is a true summer icon, often seen soaring over lakes, rivers, and coastlines in search of its next meal. As fish make up almost 100% of their diet, ospreys are master hunters, able to dive feet-first into water to snatch their prey with sharp talons.
Shot using Nikon Z6ii and Nikon 200-500mm at f5.6, 1/250s
A Summer in Photos: Ospreys in Their Element
This collection of photos represents moments with various ospreys I encountered over the course of the summer. Each shot tells a unique story, from ospreys perched majestically, surveying their territory, to those raising the next generation with pride.
Shot using Nikon Z6ii and Nikon 200-500mm at f6.3, 1/640s
Watch the Feast: Osprey Eating a Fish on a Rock
In addition to the photo collection, I’ve captured a special moment in video form—an osprey perched on a rock, eating a fish it just caught. The bird tears into the fish with its hooked beak, gripping the prey tightly with its talons while remaining alert to its surroundings. This up-close encounter offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the osprey's feeding behavior, and it perfectly complements the summer photo series.
Behind the Lens: Capturing Ospreys Throughout the Summer
Photographing ospreys is both a rewarding and challenging experience. Over the summer, I traveled the Connecticut shoreline, always with my camera in hand, waiting for the right moments to capture these birds in action. For this collection, I used my Nikon Z6ii paired with the Nikon 200-500mm lens, which allowed me to zoom in from a distance without disturbing the birds. The fast autofocus and excellent clarity of the lens helped me freeze the precise moments when ospreys were fishing, perching, and enjoying their meals.
The Life of an Osprey: Feeding and Nesting
During the summer months, ospreys are especially active, as they raise their young and spend hours fishing to feed themselves and their chicks. After a successful dive, ospreys will usually carry their fish to a safe perch, like a tree branch or, in the case of the video, a rock by the water. They often eat the head of the fish first, holding their prey with one foot while tearing it apart with their beak.
Shot using Nikon Z6ii and Nikon 200-500mm at f5.6, 1/400s
Conservation and the Osprey Comeback
Ospreys were once in decline due to the widespread use of harmful pesticides like DDT, but thanks to conservation efforts, their populations have rebounded. These birds are often seen as indicators of healthy aquatic ecosystems, as they rely on clean, fish-rich waters for survival. Protecting their habitats ensures future generations can continue to enjoy the presence of these magnificent birds.
Shot using Nikon Z6ii and Nikon 200-500mm at f5.6, 1/2500s
Tips for Spotting Ospreys in the Wild
Want to see an osprey in action? Here are some tips for spotting them:
Look near large bodies of water: Ospreys are almost always found around lakes, rivers, and coastlines, where they hunt for fish.
Watch for their dive: Ospreys hover over the water before diving feet-first to catch their prey.
Check for perches near water: After catching a fish, ospreys often sit on rocks, dead trees, or logs to eat in peace.
Shot using Nikon Z6ii and Nikon 200-500mm at f5.6, 1/800s
Thank you for joining me in celebrating the ospreys of summer! I hope this collection of photos and the video of the osprey feasting on a fish brings you closer to these incredible birds of prey. Stay tuned for more wildlife photography and adventures, where every moment is an opportunity to capture nature’s finest.
Happy birdwatching!