A delightful time watching an osprey's visit

I read recently on our local birding blog that there were two ospreys around Frampton Court lake , where they have been seen feeding. Awareness of ospreys visiting and breeding in the British Isles has increased enormously in the last decade, and possibly longer, with many video camera feeds showing the nests of breeding pairs and the growth of their offspring.

The lake at Frampton Court has been a regular haunt for ospreys as they begin their migration to West Africa since it seems to offer a good place to feed on fish and build up strength for the long journey ahead. I’ve seen them twice before, when they have stayed for about two weeks each time.

I  determined that I had to go to Frampton today as I wasn’t sure how long they would be staying this year, and they were definitely seen actively hunting both at Frampton as well as on the nearby River Severn. It was also a sunny though breezy day so it would be a pleasant way to spend the day even if the birds failed to show up.

I walked from the village green and when I arrived at the lakeside, I engaged an obvious birdwatcher in conversation and he told me he’d seen an osprey on the river at low tide earlier that morning, though in the distance. He’d driven from Portishead, a seaport on the Bristol channel, on the off chance of seeing an osprey, but he wasn’t a photographer. 

At one point in our conversation I suddenly turned around to look away from the lake across the Frampton Court’s estate just in time to see a large bird flying directly towards us. Yes, it was an osprey. It flew directly over us and headed across the lake to one of the three islands which have several large trees where they favour perching.

I walked to my favourite spot, a small promontory sticking out into the lake, which gives wide ranging views of the lake, the islands and the far shore that is much more inaccessible because of the thick growth of trees and shrubs. I started chatting to another photographer equipped with a massive 600mm prime lens who had also driven a fair distance to see the osprey. He said that this bird was a first year juvenile, which means it was born this spring, and was obviously making its first journey to West Africa. Apparently they do not return the next year but wait till their third year to return to Scotland to hopefully start breeding.

Before too long about a dozen photographers and bird watchers had gathered, and we all waited for any further sightings. I must admit iI found it quite strange how silent everyone was, with little sense of camaraderie in sharing this wonderful experience of such a fine species of bird to watch.

The osprey was hidden high up on a branch on the island, but it suddenly appeared in the distance. I managed to see it dive into the water and get photos as it emerged from the water with an apparent small fish in its talons. It flew back to its perch and another period of waiting ensued. A little later it  again flew around the other island before diving again, though this time without a kill. Finally after another short period it flew around the back of the island and then up onto the open branch of a tree on the nearer island where I’d had good views of the osprey last year. After five minutes it left for good heading south towards Slimbridge and its take-off is my main blip image.

I’m adding a couple of varied shots as ‘Extras’ but I’m a bit disappointed with the quality of the images. I’ve seen many other excellent photos of this bird and I think it is a reflection of my rather elderly equipment not matching the qualities of mirrorless cameras and optimised stabilised lenses. But I had a good time and enjoyed once again seeing an osprey in flight, as well as hunting and resting. I’m very lucky. I may go back on the off chance of a further sighting.