Soggy Osprey

Of all the things I love about autumn, trips to see Ospreys migrating back to Africa are one of my top highlights.

We’re on a boat on the River Dart hoping for an Osprey experience. We’re on a Mike Langman trip aboard the African Queen with Alan our skipper. It’s a wet day; so wet that the fine drifting drizzle covers my camera lens as soon as I dare to raise it. As we meander upstream an Osprey flies from a perch on one of the overhanging oak trees, circles, and does a classic talons-first dive into the water in the distance. I can just about see it through the drizzle on my glasses.

It emerges with a fish. What a thrill.

It circles around the river.

And then heads back towards us as we remain in mid-stream.

As it’s overhead it gives itself a massive shake, starting with the head and heading in waves down its body as it attempts to get the surplus water off.

I really didn’t need any more water on my camera lens, but in this case I’m not complaining. If only my camera could shake itself dry like that.

That was fabulous.