The Slow-Motion Beauty and Skill of an Osprey's Dive: Wild Birds Revealed
Osprey are majestic raptors that are common in coasts, lakes, and rivers around the world. They are the only hawk or eagle species that can submerge completely to catch fish, then take to the air again thanks to their specialized wings.
In this episode of Wild Birds Revealed, nature photographers Tim and Russell Laman challenge themselves to capture an Osprey's signature talon-first hunting dive in super slow motion and in still photos, to understand how they manage this feat.
For their filming location, they chose Maine's spectacular spring alewife run, when millions of alewife fish swim upstream through coastal rivers to spawn. The density of fish in the shallow rivers attracts predators of all sorts, including gulls, Bald Eagles—and lots of Osprey doing what they do best.
About the Series
Wild Birds Revealed is a three-part video series that uncovers hidden details of Osprey, Tree Swallows, and Atlantic Puffins. It features Tim and Russell Laman, award-winning wildlife filmmakers who challenge themselves to get difficult slow-motion and still shots, then delight in the detail and discovery that these incredible images allow. Through their striking imagery and friendly in-the-field narration, this project is both a visual adventure and a celebration of avian life.
Wild Birds Revealed is made possible by OM SYSTEM: lightweight, weather-sealed gear that combines industry-leading image stabilization with powerful super-telephoto lenses—all designed for handheld freedom. The still images that Tim and Russell captured for this episode were created with the flagship model, the OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II. OM SYSTEM supports the growth of the birdwatching and photography community through highly mobile, reliable camera systems that deliver exceptional expressive power to enhance every outdoor journey.
Equipment Used:
OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II
M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25X IS PRO
About the Filmmakers
Tim and Russell Laman are wildlife filmmakers whose work includes documentaries for the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, National Geographic, BBC, Netflix, and more. Their work is inspired by the powerful role imagery plays in shaping how people see and value the planet. In their film and still photography, their aim is to spark curiosity, awareness, and action.
【 About the Cornell Lab of Ornithology 】
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a nonprofit, member-supported organization headquartered in Ithaca, New York, USA. Its mission is to interpret and conserve the Earth’s biological diversity through research, education, and participatory science focused on birds and nature. In pursuit of this mission, the Cornell Lab creates cutting-edge technology, harnesses big data, and works with partners, contributors, and communities around the globe.
