Even though we were at more than an acceptable social distance, this Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) seemed to be communicating a message to me with its direct eye contact on Saturday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge—something like, “Please leave so I can continue working on my nest.”
Most of the time I will try to avoid photographing a bird head-on, because it has the potential to distort its features a lot. With this osprey, though, I think it worked out pretty well, perhaps because of the size and shape of its head.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
The front-on head shot allows the viewer to appreciate those wonderful, slightly scary eyes!
Thanks. I totally agree. When I am able to see both the eyes and the talons, it definitely does feel a bit scary. 🙂
Amazing raptor gaze!
Thanks, Eliza. I am thrilled that the ospreys have returned. The eagles are now nesting and I don’t see them as much as earlier in the year. Aren’t raptors great?
Today, I saw an eagle soaring overhead on my way back from running a quick errand. Always a thrill to see one. I’m glad their numbers are rising here.
Beautiful shot, Mike. What a magnificent bird.
Perhaps he wondered if you were yummy and how he could taste a bit of you?!?
Eye-eye, Capt’n!
The eyes have it…motion passed.
Motion passed [splutter]. Are you guys in America familiar with the term “pass a motion”? Splatter. Hahaha!
Where I am at, it refers to a parliamentary action, but apparently it means something different in other places. 🙂
Yes, seems this is more a British English reference and not so much American!
🙂
They are wonderful birds, Mike, I think it helps that’s he turned toward you. It’s a great shot.
Ospreys often put on quite a show, circling in the sky and then diving straight into the water, often emerging with a fish in their talons. I love to watch them and am happy they have returned from their winter vacations.