Third Time’s a Charm

Third Time’s a Charm
Off to breakfast!

Third Time’s a Charm

A few weeks back I visited a local wildlife trail (the Lake Apopka Wildlife drive).  It is only 20 minutes away and I always come back with a few decent photographs.  Plus, some folks have been lucky enough to see Bobcats there recently and I’ve long wanted to have a chance to photograph those elusive felines.

I was one of the first folks on the trail after it opened.  As I slowly rolled along on the beautiful and cool morning  I soon noticed an Osprey hovering over the water to my left.  I watched as it spotted a fish then suddenly dove and hit the water…And missed.  

I pulled off the road, grabbed my camera and watched as the raptor made a long, wide circle and returned to the same spot. 

Third Time's a Charm Osprey catching fish at Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive
Back for a second try!

This time I had a chance to grab a few shots as he (she?) tried again…And MISSED again!

Third Time's a Charm Osprey catching fish at Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive
“What are you looking at?   Like you could do any better!”

I quickly adjusted my camera settings and re-positioned myself close enough that I could shoot nearly full frame images with nice cross-lighting.  Sure enough, the Osprey came back hoping for luck on a third try.

Again it hovered. 

Third Time's a Charm Osprey catching fish at Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive
Where are you…you stupid fish?

Again it dove. 

Third Time's a Charm Osprey catching fish at Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive

And this time,

Third Time's a Charm Osprey catching fish at Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive
“The force is strong with this one…”

 

…SUCCESS!

Third Time's a Charm Osprey catching fish at Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive
“I have you now!”

I was shooting with a Nikon D500 set to 10 frames per second…which gave me a slew of shots to capture the action.Third Time's a Charm Osprey catching fish at Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive Third Time's a Charm Osprey catching fish at Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive Third Time's a Charm Osprey catching fish at Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive Third Time's a Charm Osprey catching fish at Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive Third Time's a Charm Osprey catching fish at Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive Third Time's a Charm Osprey catching fish at Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive Third Time's a Charm Osprey catching fish at Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive Third Time's a Charm Osprey catching fish at Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive Third Time's a Charm Osprey catching fish at Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive Third Time's a Charm Osprey catching fish at Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive

And with that, the Osprey flew off to enjoy it’s well-earned breakfast. 

Perhaps it wasn’t the Bobcat I had hoped to photograph but watching this persistent raptor fishing was pretty cool just the same.  

Have a great morning!
Jeff

Third Time's a Charm Osprey catching fish at Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive
Breakfast time!

Related Images:

'Breakfast Sushi'

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This Post Has 4 Comments

  1. Jacqueline

    8 May 2019

    Your photography is amazing. Thank you for sharing.

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