When I arrived here in Florida just over two weeks ago there was a complete absence of migrant birds, now, however the beaches are alive with small snadpipers and there are Ospreys everywhere you care to look.  This morning I saw at least 5 in just a few short minutes, one was perched right alongside the road in John U Llloyd park and then down at the inlet to Port Everglades there were two more. I climbed out of my car and photographed the one in the park.  I was hoping that I could get a shot of it doing something other than just sat there perched, I was being greedy I suppose, I have already started to take things for granted.  Only when I am here in Florida can I get within 30 feet, or closer, to a magnificent bird of prey like this without a massive amount of effort.

When I checked the information on my photo files it showed that I had been watching this bird for more than 40 minutes hoping that it it did something impressive.  Eventually I got impatient,and I went further in to the park and for the next hour, watched and photographed the waders and still, when I drove out it was there.

Probably one of the highlights of the birding here is the chance to see and photograph Ospreys.  You will never get as close to them anywhere else in the world.  They are a magnificent and hugely impressive bird of prey.