RETURN OF THE OSPREY


Here in Grand County, we have the highest elevation of breeding ospreys. Plus, largest population of the species in the state of Colorado.

About 50 osprey nests are located around our three lakes: Granby, Shadow Mountain and Grand Lake.
High winds and winter weather topples many of the nesting trees before the osprey pairs return to Colorado. To solve this problem, the U.S. Forest Service began building tall wooden platforms.The majority of the nests and platforms are above eye level, making it difficult to photograph.

This nest is about two miles from my house at the end of a picnic area along Shadow Mountain Lake. I've tried photographing them before, but have had very little luck. Shooting into the sky created bleached whites and noisy darks.

To cut the contrast, I decided to try a polarizer. While screwing it on my 100-400 lens, I almost missed the fly-in. At 1/800 shutter speed, hand held, I figured all the images would be soft.

Oh, lucky day. All eight pictures focused on the flying osprey. Perhaps the polarizer created more contrast, making it easier to lock on the bird. Or, perhaps.......