Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)

Thank you very much for your positive reaction to this bird. I live in Michigan, where they are home, but I have never seen any this close. I enjoyed watching the parents feed their chick.

Thank you very much for your positive feedback, raingirl. This photo was not planned nor could I have focused any better. If you take a look at where the nest is and take into consideration that this parent bird sat in that location for exactly ten seconds, this was just good luck, nothing more. My camera is only a Canon Powershot SX60 HS. I was glad I was able to observe the activities of the parent birds. They have one chick, almost grown. No, I could not have planned this experience, the nest on top of the tower has been empty for the past two years. I was very surprised to see that a new nest had been built and from the calls above me I noticed it.

I was going to try to get a decent landscape photo of the park a pair of Bald Eagles call home. That was the reason I went to there. I also saw one of the eagles high above me circling, but could not get any photos, the bird was flying too high.

I love it when an unexpected opportunity for a photograph presents itself. What a delightful thing you found.

I find it interesting that many people, when asked about their camera, put down the camera that they are using. I find that the camera doesn't matter so much, but instead how well we know the camera we are using.

Yes, you are right, and I do enjoy my camera for one reason mostly, I don't need a view finder anymore and that is a good thing because of my vision problems. My best friend and fellow nature lover (deceased several years now) had a very expensive camera outfit with all the bells and whistles and she often remarked about the quality of nature photos I produced with my inexpensive point and shoot camera.

Thanks for a great experience with your idea of the Aug. 19 photo collection. I truly enjoyed taking part in it.