Most of the times when I photograph an Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), the bird appears to be long and lanky. The angle at which I photographed this osprey, however, distorted its proportions, making it seem more short and squat than normal. The spherical head and the osprey’s exaggerated expression of curiosity and surprise help to make this image feel comical and cartoonish—I can’t help but smile every time that I look at the photo.
There are quite a few ospreys now at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge and quite soon they will be working on their nests. I hope to be able to capture some shots of that activity. Now that we have moved into April, I will start to switch some of my focus to searching for dragonflies. With a bit of luck, I will see my first dragonflies of the year with a week or two.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Fresh from blow drying its hair 😆
It is a comical look, Mike. But I can always use a reason to smile.
I follow an Instagram account that showcases comedy wildlife photographs precisely because shots like this always make me smile.
I am in favor or more laughter and smiles and am rarely reluctant to make fun of myself. As someone once said, “If you are able to laugh at yourself, you will never run out of good material.” 🙂
Sage advice.
Nice Osprey image Mike! Enjoyed seeing your Osprey image!
He/she does look kind of goofy in that shot!
A punk Osprey, very funny!
So funny!
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It sure made me smile, too, Mike 😀
Wow, where’d you get this picture of me when I wake up in the morning?
It definitely is not a selfie, because I am almost completely bald–it may be you! 🙂