Osprey Photography at Horn Mill Trout Farm
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 ก.ย. 2024
- Join Pops and me on an exciting adventure to Horn Mill Trout Farm near Rutland Water, as we embark on a quest to capture breathtaking photographs of ospreys diving for Rainbow Trout!
📸 Equipped with our powerful Nikon Z9 and Z8 cameras, along with 70-200mm f/2.8 and 100-400mm lenses, we’re ready to get up close and personal with these majestic birds in action.
In this video, you'll get a front-row seat to our wildlife photography experience, witnessing the thrill of capturing the perfect shot as these ospreys swoop down into the ponds. We’ll share our tips and techniques for photographing fast-moving subjects, and you’ll see the stunning results of our efforts.
Whether you're a photography enthusiast, a bird lover, or just enjoy a good father-son adventure, this video is sure to inspire and entertain. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more wildlife photography adventures!
#WildlifePhotography #Ospreys #NikonZ9 #NikonZ8 #PhotographyTips #FatherSonAdventure #HornMillTroutFarm #BirdWatching
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*Link to Rutland Water Nature Reserve:* [Rutland Water](www.rutlandwat...)
*Learn more about Horn Mill Trout Farm:* [Horn Mill Trout Farm](hornmilltrout.c...)
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Music by: [Gavin Luke]
Special thanks to Horn Mill Trout Farm and Rutland Water for their support!
Simple Amazing. Brilliant Video. Many thanks for sharing,.
Thanks very much I really appreciate that.
All the best 👍🏻
Been there twice 2018 and 2019 in June and July respectively. First time was in the evening and second in the morning, both in good conditions. Had more birds and visits in the morning session, but on both occasions got some good shots of the ospreys fishing. Always they would dive from a perched position at the top of the tall tree which made it easy to anticipate the dive and for them to target a catch. You were very unlucky to get the conditions you did with the unseasonal weather we have had, nevertheless you again came out with some fabulous photos, and another excellent video.
Thanks very much Rob I really enjoyed reading your comment mate.
All the very best 👍🏻
Amazing photos. This is a must do for me! Thank you.
Thanks very much, I really appreciate it 👍🏻
first class video as normall ive been to horn mill myself numerous times and loved every minute of it keep the videos coming give my regards to pops
Thanks very much Gary and will certainly be passing on your kind words to Pops.
All the best 👍🏻
Did the Ospreys this year on an afternoon session - The Ospreys visited, but never dived. However did get some images of a Red Kite taking a fish from the surface, Morning is best but would be a very early start - I am only about an hour away by car - so will probably do a morning session next year and tie it in with a visit to Rutland water reserve. Great shots by the way.
Thanks for sharing your own experience at Rutland, it sounds like you had quite a frustrating experience. Did you vlog on your visit?
All the best 👍🏻
Great video.
Was there Thursday just past for the morning session (3:40AM)
4 different birds, 9 full dives, and 6 fish caught.
Can only recommend the place.
Thanks very much Patrick. Sounds like you had a red letter day of an experience and one I have heard others have too.
I will definitely be returning for a second go at this place.
All the best 👍🏻
Loved it and hopefully you get similar when you get back there.
Another awesome video Dan and Pops!! Beautiful images as well. Thanks so much for sharing your day with us!!
Thanks Patty, always a pleasure to read your comments ☺️
Loved it guys 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 that look of excitement in your face as it dived Dan! That’s what it’s all about.
Cheers Mike, I’ve never been one for hiding my feelings mate. It’s just epic when you see wildlife up close and personal isn’t it 👍🏻
Brilliant Dan, great to see pops back 👍
It’s a great place to go, I preferred the evening sessions to the early mornings, the light was obviously much better 👍
I’m definitely going to try for an evening session on my next visit.
Thanks very much mate and all the best 👍🏻
Yet another fantastic vlog. Poor pops getting up at 1 am. Brilliant images
Poor Pops…… he was far more chipper than me at that time 😂😂😂
Cheers mate 👍🏻
Another great video Dan. What would TH-cam do without you. Can’t find again the link to buy You a coffee at the bottom of the video. Please send me one
Thanks very much Richard, that’s high praise indeed.
I’ve linked the buy me a coffee page below, thanks in advance mate 👍🏻
buymeacoffee.com/dwphotgraphy
What a lovely video you two are a privilege to watch and your expertise is to admire . The knowledge you impart to us less skilled is really appreciated.
Thanks so very much, that was a fantastic comment to read.
All the best 👍🏻
thanks Dan and pops amazing pictures as usual just wish could take pictures like that fantastic .
Thanks very much Clive. You can definitely take pictures like that, just keep taking them and most of all enjoy being out in nature mate 👍🏻
Great video that Dan - shows a good representation of the Horn Mill experience.
I did an evening session there as I really didn't fancy the stupid o'clock start otherwise. We only had one osprey visit - T7 as usual. Caught a fish fairly close to us so it was all a bit frantic for a few seconds. Also had the red kite take a dead fish which gave me the best shots I had that day. Herons on duty and we were also entertained by a kingfisher and a green woodpecker on the grass to the left as you look out. Will definitely have another go at some point.
Thanks Bob. The more people I speak to the more I think that the evening sessions are preferable and something I will definitely be trying next time I go. Sounds like you had a great experience 👍🏻
Great dedication to creating your videos, Horn Mill can be a tough gig but can also be very very rewarding if everything drops into place.
Thanks very much Tony I really appreciate that.
All the very best mate 👍🏻
What a great spot! That wind didn't do you any favours but that's bird photography. I like the addition of a spotter to advise you about the Ospreys location. I assume the handheld UHF was included in the price of a day in the hide. That amount of clothes in the middle of June worries me somewhat!👍 I've just added this to my list of places to visit in July 2024!
Thanks very much John. Yes the spotter and UHF is all included of the price for the hide.
The weather has been pretty shocking so far this year mate, I’m hoping we get some sunshine soon 😂😂😂
Another fantastic video Dan and Pop’s keep up the great work lovely photos of the Osprey I was up at the loch of Loews last week shooting the ones there. Take care the both of you Mike.
Thanks very much Mike, really appreciate your comment and support mate.
All the best 👍🏻
Been 7 times now and wildlife can be difficult, drawing three blank sessions on mornings and evenings. Have seen kingfisher, egrets osprey kites but for me the herons are the star of the show “when” they are there. Best I have had is one dive from the osprey at each session, after almost three hour drive each way it’s no longer value for money. But it is addictive !!!
Thanks Tony, sounds like you have had highs and lows at Horn Mill over your visits. Hope you’ve got some epic shots for your efforts mate 👍🏻
Tony, you should give it another go, they have been having more ospreys fishing recently 3 quit regularly now so would suggest another trip.
Fantastic foties Dan. Great to see pops again❤❤
Thanks very much Andrew I really appreciate it mate 👍🏻
Did a PM followed by an AM back at the end of April, PM was a little better as was dry, but AM was showery but still had a couple of dives. Always something to shoot and do agree 70-200 is an ideal lens. Well done both
Thanks very much Alex, a think a double session will definitely be on the cards next time round.
All the best 👍🏻
Hi Dan, done the am session three times this year, similar experience to yours, each time had two successful dives only, great video and lovely images.
Thanks very much, it’s great to read that our experience was similar to others.
Appreciate it and all the best mate 👍🏻
Thanks for sharing - got my first visit in 2 weeks (evening session). Best take many layers for this lovely summer weather we’re having ;-)
Thanks very much Gemma, have a wonderful trip and I hope you get some epic shots ☺️
Some excellent photos from both, but I think 'Pops' pips @12:41. great video, great experience.
Cheers Phil, I know Pops will definitely appreciate your comment 😉
Great effort Dan in what looked like trying conditions but still some superb images. Ian 👍
Thanks very much Ian I really appreciate it mate 👍🏻
Are Osprey rare in the UK? I noticed they had rings on them. Here on the East Coast of Australia I see them all the time and have gotten some amazing shots in the wild. Probably my second favourite bird after the Peregrine Falcon, which we also have here, but I've never seen.
Osprey are rare in the UK and even rarer in England as most Osprey migrate from Africa to Scotland to breed.
Lots of birds have rings on their legs in the UK as this is a common practice by the BTO for conservation studies 👍🏻
Incredible pictures of the ospreys. Would love to get down to horn mill one day just to have the experience. Great video as usual
Thanks very much, I can definitely recommend this it’s awesome to see the osprey hunting 👍🏻
@danwillis_photography definitely. I went to leighton moss yesterday and had the pleasure of seeing one hunt, not this close but still amazing to see!
Nice video. Very interesting. And glad Pops is back. (I do a similar outfit in Aviemore 2 weeks ago, but only one day and the osprey didn't catch any fish)
Thanks very much, I have photographed twice at Aviemore Ospreys hide. Shame you had a limited experience as when I was there last we had several dives off 3 birds.
All the best 👍🏻
Brilliant, what a great experience. I am off to Skomer next week.
Very jealous mate, I absolutely love Skomer 👍🏻
Thanks again Dan for your efforts 01:15am you are a bit mad😂. We done a evening session and stayed over, it's a tough gig we had 2 visits and had great light but the Osprey sat in the Oak tree for ages on the final visit until the nice evening light had gone . It finally dropped down and took a trout and I managed to get a couple of good images but needed the help of Topaz De-noise in post. You do need some luck at this venue as the Ospreys can be a no show, a mate has been this Sunday and didn't get anything. Keep up the good work Dan much appreciated.
Thanks very much Kevin, we are definitely mad 😂😂😂
I know what you mean about luck, I’ve read comments from others who have had a no show.
All the very best mate 👍🏻
Amazing as always !!
Thanks very much Lee I really appreciate it mate 👍🏻
Brilliant guys.
Thanks very much mate 👍🏻
I feel your pain of an early start (But not that early, mine was 0315). had one yesterday to go down to Alan McFadden's Sparrowhawk Hide but was worth it. Another great video.
Thanks very much I really appreciate it. Alan’s hides are always worth the trip, absolutely fantastic place 👍🏻
Hi Dan. Great video. Can I ask what was the average shutter speed and Z9 focus mode. Great video and good to see Pops back in good health.
I would say that the optimal shutter speeds for the Osprey are around 1/2000sec and above but light is the biggest issue here and early dives were shot at around 1/1000sec.
Autofocus is a good question and one I’m often asked. I use a combination of af systems as there isn’t a one size fits all. I have my shutter button set to wide area small with animal recognition. I have the back button set to 3D tracking and then use a front programmable button to small group. I switch between all three to acquire focus and once locked on usually stay with 3D tracking. It takes some getting used to but I find I have the largest success rate using this method.
Hope this helps 👍🏻
@@danwillis_photography Hi Dan. The same. Start with a wide area mode and usually add 3D tracking via F1 when needed.
I went there last year, but made the mistake of taking my 400mm F2.8. It was very difficult to capture with that lens. I am back again in 3 weeks and will use my 70-200 this time.
I tried with my 400 to and can imagine how challenging that was. Have a fantastic trip Jonathan and all the best 👍🏻
great video and great shots
Thanks very much I really appreciate it 👍🏻
Good stuff Dan, have shared to our osprey FB page ;-)
Thanks very much guys I really appreciate it 👍🏻
What stands out in all of your videos even more so than your talent as a photographer is your passion. Your love for the art of wildlife photography is so evident each time you get behind the camera. Also, as a father it warms my heart to see you and your pops sharing special moments together. Keep making these videos my friend. Cheers from across the pond! ~Lou
It’s comments like this that make it all worth while. Thanks very much Lou, I really appreciate it mate.
All the best 👍🏻
Guess where I am next Monday talk about coincidence great video good to see you both.
Have a fantastic trip John and thanks very much for your comment 👍🏻
as usual awesome photos, I am planning to go there this coming Saturday, I noticed you used 70-200 lens, is that enough? I was hoping to take 180-600 the only concern I have is light at 6:3 at end might be an issue under poor light conditions, what are your thoughts.
The 70-200 was the best lens choice mainly due to the 2.8 aperture. The 180-600 will give you great flexibility with focal length but the smaller aperture may lead to really high iso.
I think optimal focal length would be 300mm at f2.8 👍🏻
@@danwillis_photography thank you, I will take both and see how it goes
Great experience, shame you only got a couple of dives. Still a cracking blog mate.😊
Thanks very much Keith, always a pleasure to read your comments mate.
All the best 👍🏻
I went there in 2022 4am think I was the only one that got a couple of shots as it flew off with its catch
It’s a challenge isn’t it and I’m glad you managed to get some shots. I’ve certainly had experiences where I have missed the shot at Osprey hides.
All the best 👍🏻
@@danwillis_photography
In that whole time in the hide we only got one chance with the osprey did get some shots of a kingfisher and a red kite
What was your focus and tracking set up on z9
Hi Steve. This is a good question and one I’m often asked. I use a combination of af systems as there isn’t a one size fits all. I have my shutter button set to wide area small with animal recognition. I have the back button set to 3D tracking and then use a front programmable button to small group. I switch between all three to acquire focus and once locked on usually stay with 3D tracking. It takes some getting used to but I find I have the largest success rate using this method.
Hope this helps 👍🏻
Dan,come to Florida,you will see ospreys competing for a catch with pelicans and themselves within 50 feet from your lense.
I’ve seen many times when they catch 3 or more fish with one dive,with the best time being the fall or breeding season and then again when the chicks hatch,bot times are very busy.
Sebastian inlet in central Florida is prime for the action.
I would love to go to Florida it’s definitely on my bucket list of destinations and your comment has definitely encouraged me to do so.
Thanks very much 👍🏻
@@danwillis_photography your welcome,I really enjoy your series especially with your Dad👍
Are all of the Ospreys tagged?
Most Osprey in the UK are tagged with a ring on the leg in the nest as chicks 👍🏻
@@danwillis_photography Thanks, very interesting. I live in Florida and very seldom see that.
I would be asking for that bloody Roger beep to be turned off.
It is a dominating and distracting sound isn’t it 👍🏻
Hi Dan, great video and stills from this session. My wife has bought me and her a session in June 2025, we have some flexibility with timings and dates as she bought it so far ahead of time, but in your experience do you know if morning or evening sessions are best and what month of the year. If anyone else can offer advice it is welcome. Thanks Chris
Thanks very much Chris, really appreciate it.
I have only done the morning session but from speaking to a number of friends the evening sessions are favourable and the first to book up, so my advice would be to book those if they are available to you 👍🏻
@@danwillis_photography Great thanks for the help and advice Dan :)
Hi Dan good to see you and Pops out on an adventure.I have been to Horn Mill and had the good fortune to see the Osprey fishing and also the Red Kite fishing. Like you I took the 70-200 mm zoom with the 1.4 converter, got some really good photos. It's all about luck , if you get the birds and are familiar with your equipment you can't fail. but if you don't get the birds what can you do ? just keep going I really enjoy your videos.
Thanks very much Malcolm, I completely agree with you that luck does play a huge part of hide photography. I will definitely be returning to Horn Mill for another try.
All the very best mate 👍🏻
Great video, I’m off to Mull in Aug with my New Z8 and want to practice birds in flight ready for Mull Charters and the WTE. What would you and pops recommend as most successful AF area and track modes.
As I see from your video there is no time to change stuff.
Thanks very much Steve. This is a good question and one I’m often asked. I use a combination of af systems as there isn’t a one size fits all. I have my shutter button set to wide area small with animal recognition. I have the back button set to 3D tracking and then use a front programmable button to small group. I switch between all three to acquire focus and once locked on usually stay with 3D tracking. It takes some getting used to but I find I have the largest success rate using this method.
Hope this helps and have an epic trip 👍🏻
Being interested to know how much your camera/lens cost to fix
The lens thankfully was undamaged and so only required a service and calibration.
The outer shell of the camera body was completely replaced at a cost of just short of £1k 👍🏻
Fabulous shots thanks for sharing
My pleasure, thanks for commenting 👍🏻
Ospreys are one of my favorite birds. I live in Southeast Texas in the USA and we have a large population of Osprey. This is the first time I have seen a banded bird and don't be too disappointed by not getting a photo of them diving and catching a fish. I have been photographing them, not from a blind, a long time and still have not gotten that photo. Enjoyed the video.
Thanks very much James, I believe that numbers in south USA are very strong. I’d love the chance to photograph them there one day.
All the best 👍🏻
Now I know why I’ve only done afternoon sessions here. 1:15!!?
It truly is a great experience having close-up opportunities with Osprey. I love what Horn Mill have done with the hide and the viewpoint is stunning. i’m sure one day our paths will cross as we go to similar places, we’re booked in for the end of next week. Thanks for a great video.
Thanks very much Rik, I’m certain we will definitely cross paths at some point in the future mate. Have a fantastic trip 👍🏻
Dan what focus settings were you using?
Hi Mike. This is a good question and one I’m often asked. I use a combination of af systems as there isn’t a one size fits all. I have my shutter button set to wide area small with animal recognition. I have the back button set to 3D tracking and then use a front programmable button to small group. I switch between all three to acquire focus and once locked on usually stay with 3D tracking. It takes some getting used to but I find I have the largest success rate using this method.
Hope this helps 👍🏻
@@danwillis_photography still trying to find my ideal setup so thanks
Excellent shots of those osprey, especially with the fish! Getting them during the dive is extremely difficult and you need to hope the camera doesn't get distracted by the splash. You must have been quite close to get usable shots at 200-400mm. I usually need 500-800mm to get them large enough in the frame on my R5 at local public areas where they fish. Trying to follow the dive at 800mm is nearly impossible, so zooming out at first really helps.
Thanks very much I really appreciate your comment and support. The hide is right next to the pond and the pond is relatively small so I shot all my images on a 70-200 which makes tracking easier. I can imagine at 800mm it’s very challenging.
All the best 👍🏻
Enjoyed that one. Been to Horn mill a couple of times and done the evening sessions. First visit was difficult because of the weather. Wet windy and grey. This year was far better. I think it’s a decent spot and a great experience. 1:15 in the am though
Cheers Dave, I will definitely be looking into evening sessions next time. 1am get ups are never enjoyable 😂😂😂
All the best mate 👍🏻
Good informative video, Dan. Early morning starts are awful but worth it when you get great photography results . It's good to see Pops is doing so well.
Thanks Sheila, the effort when rewarded with the shot is definitely worth it.
All the best ☺️
Hello Dan, Super images, its one bird I would love to see. But as you know its a long drive Horn Mill looked a good set up. `Thanks for sharing.
Thanks very much John, well worth a long drive you could make a weekend out of it.
All the best mate 👍🏻
Wow!!! That looks to be an awesome hide and an awesome time! It's so great to see you and Pops enjoying such a wonderful experience together! Thanks so much for letting me tag along.
Thanks very much Jon, always a pleasure to read your comments mate. Appreciate it 👍🏻
Some excellent images gentlemen i have to say well done pops good to see you've still got it with two great images your son did ok as well
😂😂😂 cheers John, I know pops will be made up with that comment 👍🏻
Did this at the start of June (evening session). Weather was much better (no wind) with some nice light. Fabulous experience!
Sounds like you had the perfect conditions, I hope you got some fantastic shots as well.
All the very best 👍🏻
Hello Pops and Dan very good images of ospreys which are not easy to do because the pond is small, it's nice to see Pops take pictures again, the images of great crested grebes were very good as well as Pops no longer has a tripod, the tripod holder is on Dan's back, Dan who didn't force too much with thegrebe since he was lying in the grass for most of the images, bonnes continuation to you both😄
Thanks very much Jean Louis always a pleasure to read your comments.
All the very best 👍🏻
It's a cracking wee place there. I tend to do a morning and an evening session on the same day.
Cheers mate, I can imagine that, that combo gives you the best possible chance 👍🏻
Great video and its on my bucket list. Great to see Pops back to normal!
Thanks very much Sean I really appreciate it mate 👍🏻
Just to say thanks Dan and dad. Enjoyed it a lot but who wouldn’t
Thanks very much Thomas I really appreciate it mate 👍🏻
another fabulous video Dan
Thanks very much Mike, really appreciate it mate 👍🏻
Great work, bomber command 😂
😂😂😂 that made me giggle mate, thank you 👍🏻
Awesome 👌 👏
Thanks very much I really appreciate it mate 👍🏻
Great video and pictures Dan!
Thanks very much l I really appreciate it mate 👍🏻
Love it Willibob!
Thanks very much mate 👍🏻
Not the best of locations if you want a great Osprey shot!
Where would you suggest Paul?
@@danwillis_photography I presume you already know that since you have been to the other places!😉
@@paulwoodford4974 got you 👍🏻