OF ALL THE raptor species pursued by photographers, the Osprey, also known for good reason as the “fish hawk,” is perhaps the most exhilarating to observe in flight. It’s also one of the more challenging to photograph when it’s on the wing. Hands down, some of the most spectacular photographs of raptors I’ve seen are of Ospreys in all stages of their choreographed aerial rituals as they hunt, dive, and catch fish for themselves and to carry to a nest for awaiting partners and fledglings.
After my own countless trial and error gaffes and missed keeper shots over the years, I’m able to share insights that I hope will make the journey to your own Osprey trophy photos a bit easier.
The initial hurdle to overcome is finding Ospreys. In some parts of North America, especially in the most southern coastal states, they are present most of the year and are readily accessible for observing
