Osprey Photography Challenge: Can you reach LEVEL 4??

[@dickblystone4288]

Ospreys are my favorite bird to shoot. I'm really happy with the shots I've gotten this spring at a pond near my house in Maryland. One additional tip is that if you are trying to track them diving and lose track, you can wait for the splash, then focus on that spot in the water and wait for them to emerge. Also, keep shooting them as they fly off, and you can get the cool in flight shake they do to shed the water off their wings and body. Thanks for the video!

[@sandracanella577]

Dick Blystone ppo q Hb. L

[@monstrok]

There is another osprey shooting opportunity: capturing them when they are migrating. They will fly in groups of a dozen or more in a long train. When the group finds a thermal or ridge lift, they will follow each other in a circling climb to the top before resuming their original heading. It is possible to get multiple birds in a single frame. Not easy (!) but possible.

[@andyabwelding]

That must be sight to see, all Osprey's in the UK migrate as individuals.

[@TomReichner]

Chelsea's "Yayyyyyy!" at 0:58 is awesome!

[@darrendix5163]

Oh dude!!! Tony and Chelsea!! I just captured gopro footage of an Osprey while paragliding in San Bernardino! I can't believe it! I just love you guys! I have been a stagnant tog for a while but am obsessed all the same! I'll send you the edited footage! If you paraglide, it takes over everything!

[@nerves]

One of the best shows guys! Another hint is to time the catch...they will return to the same place they caught the first fish 10-25 minutes later and try to get another meal.

[@kendalloei]

Awesome balance of helpful natural history facts and photographic tips and a challenge to motivate! Thanx!

[@andrewilliams9997]

I agree they are beautiful birds to photograph. I photograph them often in Virginia.

[@gnexus01]

I've gotten level 1-3, but lvl 4 is very difficult because of where the nest are in relation to the water. There was some nest where I used to live, that where right on the water. I didn't have the patience though to sit for hours waiting for them to fish.

[@christopherstevenson9737]

This is a nice infomercial...!! Nice camo Tony (that you don't need to shoot osprey). At least this is an activity that can be done during Covid-19. So thumbs up for that idea.

[@surrogatemarker]

Love that you and Chelsea did this.. I visit and photograph many Osprey nests in wildlife preserves along the Delaware bay in New Jersey.. sadly not all photographers respect them as I have come across 2 different photographers tossing sticks or stones at Osprey nest stands to get them to take off for a high speed shutter burst for Instagram glory. I’ve reported that behavior to preserve rangers and managers but they can’t be everywhere.. would appreciate you and Chelsea with your channel reach mentioning the importance of respecting the wildlife.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Yes I have reached level 4 🦅thanks for sharing the video 👍🙏

[@raulakis35]

Tony i did not know you studied Biology!! cool!!! this video you both put together is great!! all those details, information and passion...!! excellent!!

[@omegavladosovich6757]

Except he got many things wrong. Eggshell thinning is not the key problem in their decline and many died of malaria due to ban of DDT.

[@rico8905]

I actually have a decent level 4 shot. I was only using a crop sensor camera (Nikon D5600) with a 18-300mm 5.6-6.3 lens and managed to get some nice shots of one grabbing an eel out of the water at ocean beach in New London CT

[@alanross3661]

This is a great outline for Osprey photography. The hardest part is following the Osprey straight down and hoping it comes out of the water heading towards you.

[@MisterTwister55]

This video hasn't been uploaded long enough to watch it yet so I'm going to comment on it because that what KZbin is for.

[@geetarthneo]

I love the way Tony has went to length to camouflage with the surroundings and Chelsea is like me, just go with black. :D

[@jimmyqballs]

Incredible birds. My local wildlife refuge has them around all the time. Sadly though, they "hit" a bit far out, even for a 600mm lens so it's kind of rare I'm able to get a really nice shot without having to crop away all the fine details :o(

[@bird271828]

An osprey called me and said I didn't know Chelsea and Tony knew so much about me :-)

[@deniseneuendorf3577]

Here in TN Osprey are most plentiful on the shores of lakes, but I’ve seen them as much as a couple miles away from water. They’ll nest near small rivers and ponds also. They’re known for using all manner of manmade material for nestmaking. Another cool shot is Ospreys mating. They do it quite often atop their nests in spring. Thanks for this great video!

[@cartercooperpa]

Helpful video. Thank you

[@jm3na]

Anyone in the Southern California area, Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is a great place to spot a few ospreys. I'm only at lvl 1 but one day I hope I'm lvl 4. Oh plus many other species out there as well (currently thousands of terns are nesting out there)

[@todabrilla]

When I was in high school I went out and ran breeding bird surveys on local Osprey two locations in my part of Central Florida. At the time I didn't have my own photo-gear and I desperately longed to get good shots of these marvelous birds. I'm so happy that as an adult I can now go out and take good pictures of this charismatic bird. P.S. Good description of the life history of osprey. Another cool thing about them is the toe arrangement in their feet. Birds have 2-4 toes. The most common arrangement of the toes in birds is anisodactly where the birds have the first digit (the "hallux", the equivalent of our big toe) reversed with the larger digits (2-4) forward. This lets the bird grip a perch well. In osprey and in parrots and woodpeckers and a few other groups (evolved convergently), the feet have a zygodactyl arrangement with the fourth digit able to swing around beside the backward facing digit 1. This means they have two toes forward and two toes back, which makes for a very nice grappling arrangement to grab fish with.

[@ProPetPhotog]

Osprey flew over my pond WHILE I was watching this video. Had to pause at 3 min and run out with my camera. Funny. Happy Father's Day Tony!

[@sholinwright6621]

Level 5 is getting an Osprey as it extends it’s talons before hitting the water. I get 1-3 of these per year. They are in OK twice migrating through and it is the highlight of the year.

[@adrianvanleeuwen]

Glad to hear the osprey survived with help from man (even though man caused the problem at first). A great wildlife preservation story that is inspiring.

[@fofolara]

Very good video with great tips

[@LooseEnds]

I'm only level 3! So much fun to capture these birds.

[@rupertdebaire360]

Thanks for that video, Chelsea looked liked she had something better to do this day but hey ho, been following for years. Hopefully your fans aren't boring you Princess?

[@KennyTelfer]

For bonus points, capture it delivering an Amazon package, or delivering pizza :) There is a hide in Perthshire in Scotland, I visited with my kit lens when I first got my camera and discovered that this wasn't quite the right thing to do, so my first ospray shot, looks like an ant in the sky :D I've learned so much in the past two years thanks to you guys, your content, books and courses, loving it.

[@RickMentore]

Just fantastic Tony& Chelsea! This channel is so much more than Photo news and gear review.

[@SchmoopsAdventures]

Living on the Chesapeake, I got tired of shooting osprey. Or at least I was taking too many osprey photos. They’re an abundant subject. Still haven’t gotten that elusive hunt shot yet.

[@mcunner]

I've seen an osprey once in South Africa but it was very shy

[@buzzboykin9982]

Here on the Potomac in VA near Rt. 301 they are very plentiful. I have never seen one go back for a dropped fish, although they should be able to, as I often see them pick up dead branches from the ground on the wing, for nest building. We also have a number of eagles here. Several times I have seen eagles chase an Osprey until he drops his fish, which the Eagle retrieves.

[@Bobmrob]

Love the challenge - we have Osprey in Scotland in summer time. They migrate all the way from Africa for longer day light so that they can spend all day hunting to bring up their young.

[@thomasscott8148]

That's so cool. Where abouts do you see them?

[@michaelmcdonald5154]

Great video as always. Good to know I’ve reached level 4.

[@CamillaI]

Blimey thats a challenge in UK we do get them but they are usually flying through up to Scotland. But I believe there is a nesting pair in Arne Dorset UK. Just started a sea eagle release on the Isle of Wight. So exciting times here in the UK. So thanks for all the tips. I will bare all these points in mind as the local populations increase. Great video, may have to come and visit America. But what will come first safe travel or the increase in local Osprey! Who knows!

[@Rocinster]

Mark smith will approve this video

[@creatorsjourney6286]

I kept laughing at the fisherman, wouldn’t it be fisherbird?? Maybe just fishers. Anywho, you guys are awesome with photographing these majestic animals!

[@garykuiken6191]

Just a comment on your suggestion that they cannot pick up from the ground. I images of one particular Osprey that comes to the nest when building it in the spring with his talon full of dead grass that they line the nest with and spin around to pack it down into the nest. Each year Fish and Wildlife pull the nest down in early spring to prevent Canada Geese from using the nest. This year I have photographed most days as they build anew. No luck with photographs of hitting the water as fish downstream from the nest and its private land. The ones in the mountains fish in glacier feed lakes that require long hikes and lots of hours and luck. Stay safe.

[@naturesedgephotography1478]

Thanks for posting, always great to have a new challenge!

[@LeReVid]

I loves this vibs

[@timdaugherty7612]

Excellent! Headed to the Yellowstone River in Montana shortly and I've seen a lot of osprey there. I've completed Level 1 and 2. Bring on #3!

[@cliffcottrell4539]

Osprey do occasionally eat small mammals reptiles and birds 99% fish Plus they carry fish straight on because of rear talon can be movedback for that reason

[@Jimjettrain333]

Wow super slick video. Reminded me of earlier years only lots of polish (in a good way). Great info too. OK got to go and find me some Osprey.

[@gwal93]

Ahhh I found some Osprey's "There are now approximately 240 breeding pairs in the UK, producing around 250 chicks a year" ... mostly in Scotland, 600 miles from me. I have a lot of pigeons and ducks near me, will one of them do ?

[@MrPaulbogart]

When's the best time to shoot? Not for good light but for osprey activity.

[@loubartkiw3536]

Love this type of video.

[@andraskiss8098]

Would be nice more birding video👍

[@lukes5533]

Thanks for the tips Tony and Chelsea👍. I think we have Osprey in Australia too.

[@aussie8114]

We have black and white ones, they’re called Maggies.

[@smilsmff]

D5, 1DX2,Or Alpha, 400 f/2.8, set on Full auto tracking on your tripod, spray and pray

[@Iruinyourkdr]

Loooooved this video! Thank you guys! Please do more like this!

[@HoldLeadersAccountable]

nice!

[@robertwhitemoto]

Great info! Chelsea that setup is massive :)

[@GinoFoto]

We do not have an Ospreys here in the central Europe, but Cormorants, or Kingfishers are just as challenging.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

I don’t know where you are exactly but Osprey have been reintroduced in much of Europe and efforts continue www.balbuzards.ch/en/distribution-2/

[@youknowwho9247]

@@TonyAndChelsea There are some in Central Europe, but much of the continent is densely populated and many areas don't have sufficient food sources for them, unfortunately. There are other birds though.

[@durathad8770]

Love your work. Hi from London!

[@kyle_medina]

You just made my day Tony! I had no idea about this website. Thanks!

[@news1st]

Since You're a Canon Guy Now? What about all those Closeted Nikon Primes? Ha! Take Care Tony & Chelsea.

[@stans6582]

WOW...........GOOD STUFF GUYS...........keep up the good work

[@jeffluo9591]

Then Mark Smith must be level 5!

[@milansajan1001]

*I think, he Might :b @ Level 7.5 !!*

[@MarkSmithphotography]

MîLåN SăJãN thank you!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Jeff Luo Thanks!

[@shaunriome6273]

Mark Smith is maybe level 11. Since switching to the latest sony gear especially his shots are of the charts

[@aussie8114]

I can hear Tony but I can’t see Tony 🧐

[@anthonywstanton]

Thank you for the very informative content! Well done!

[@PlayUnbox]

I would totally be up for this challenge but there are no ospreys here... ☹️

[@austingarland4346]

Are you still planning on doing an in-depth review of the Canon 90D? Would love to see how it compares to the 7Dii, D500, XT4, a6600, M6ii etc. Especially for wildlife/sports :)

[@fualexander7798]

I have the 90D, don't get it, get the D500.

[@Abhishek98317]

I am also waiting for the same, but loosing hope :(

[@youknowwho9247]

@@fualexander7798 What's your reasoning? Autofocus?

[@fualexander7798]

@@youknowwho9247 Absolutely. When you are shooting via the viewfinder, the only usable modes are Spot and 1-Point. I tried to use Zone and Large Zone for BIF, forget about it. Those little focusing squares are next to useless. They simply don't want to move and when they do move they are either too slow or won't land on the bird. The hit rate is close to zero. The only alternative is to shoot in Live View mode, in which case those same little focusing squares will literally wake up, move quickly and lock into focus. But, from an operational standpoint, it is impossible to shoot with the LCD unless you have one of those LCD viewfinders that you attach to the back of the camera to allow you to push your head into the eye piece to help you aim. So, what does that tell you? Is really time to go mirrorless. But, if you want to stay with DSLR, the 4 year old D500 is still a better camera with AF and its buffer is miles bigger than the 90D.

[@youknowwho9247]

@@fualexander7798 I shoot a D500 and D850, thought briefly about adding a 90D for the added res at reach. Scrapped the idea mostly because of af complaints. It's really odd though, I used a friend's 77D some and it does fine for birds in flight, even with a cheap 55-250. How they managed to take a step backwards is beyond me.

[@ytr8989]

I don’t have any Ospreys in my are. I’ve taken few pictures of Harris hawks, Red-tailed Hawk, a falcon, vultures; but no Ospreys.

[@gewglesux]

Hawks are beautiful to shoot.. I don't think i have ever seen a Hawk.. lucky you.

[@lovemycity420]

Love a challenge 🙏🏿

[@keith4047]

We dont have osprey here in Australia

[@SoPoIoKoE55]

I just tried for the first time today in Washington

[@rudyrodriguezjr.]

I would love to! One day...

[@thedondeluxe6941]

I don't think we have those in my part of the world🤔 I've seen a white-tailed eagle, but that's the closest we get around here, I think.

[@EmyrEvans1]

Ospreys will often pick up dropped fish from the ground in the UK.

[@gwal93]

"There are now approximately 240 breeding pairs in the UK, producing around 250 chicks a year." .... in Wales and Scotland mostly .... So, you go to a supermarket and buy a dead fish and throw it at where you think their might be a pair of Osprey's camera at the ready ?

[@billr6983]

I look at the levels of the photos they state, then look at these two holding about $30,000 worth of gear. Then I think, I took a photo of an osprey with a superzoom camera I paid less than $150 for new. I cropped it, sharpened it a bit, and added some contrast to it using free FastStone photo editor. I wonder what level that photo would be at? Minus 200? lol

[@matthewcrose2026]

I spent 2 straight days trying to get a single "level 4" shot and didn't come close. Pretty sure there's some kind of dark magic involved.

[@andyroye5622]

Very informative 👍🏾🙏🏾

[@xBris]

Osprey photography... Now thats a tad too niche for me.

[@LaytonParham]

Are you going to critique any Osprey photos?

[@Ruud_Brouwer]

New hair colour? Looks great

[@gwal93]

Level 0 .... find an Osprey ..... I'm no where near Level 0.

[@benoloughlin1557]

Unfortunately we don’t have Osprey in Australia.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

You definitely do: en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_osprey

[@benoloughlin1557]

Actually, I am wrong. Osprey are in Australia. Now I need to find a suitable lens!

[@benoloughlin1557]

Tony & Chelsea Northrup thanks T&C!

[@richardjacobson5236]

no osprey in new zealand. failed before i started

[@paulwood3024]

I have not been able to get a photo of an Osprey entering the water. It would be in a tree on the other side of the pond and I'd wait for it to dive. Tried it with the Canon 70D and Mk3, with the 400mm f/5.6, but they will not track the bird to the water. Have plenty of shots with bird coming out of the water with fish, flying with fish and fly at me with a fish, but still can't get the entering shot. I'm sure I could go to a place with no trees, but not an option. Any truth to the rumor that Sony will hold the tracking better?

[@facedown9754]

Osprey the most amazing bird ever!!

[@xBris]

Ever heard of peregrine falcons? ;)

[@facedown9754]

xBris Yes and I know the peregrine is fantastic as well..guess we just have our favourites is what I mean

[@NCPhotography]

Why is Chelsea talking to herself again. Seriously this is getting out hand.

[@dizmatt1]

the floating head next to her is freaking me out....men in camo gear doing photography, it's a thing.

[@pictie]

Their stunning birds but the babys are not hansome birds 😅😅

[@andyjmusic4831]

Can you ship an osprey to Australia so I can photograph it lol. Our large birds are boring

[@youknowwho9247]

I'm reasonably sure they exist in Australia, at least on the west coast.

[@ericlyus]

Not too many in London, England, either! There are some in Scotland, though.

[@benoloughlin1557]

Landscope 360 no they don’t.

[@benoloughlin1557]

Landscope 360 I take that back, they are here.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Coastal Australia has Osprey. England has them, too.

[@PaulCoughlan1]

I'll be seeing a nest in Bayonne waters this weekend, these tips are excellent.

[@louie5258]

Say hi

[@jeepjoseph9036]

How do you find them?

[@dulaw6055]

What are those lenses?

[@huwmorgan51]

Ospreys don't like humans approaching their nests when they have young chicks. Please be kind to the birds and keep your distance during breeding season.

[@moravcik53]

.... 3.19 3.28 "Apache" dont be fooled .... !

[@gordonyz4]

Level 0 for me, find an Osprey..

[@XPJV]

Evolution? "Fool said in his heart: there's no God" - Very true!