Bird's Eye View: My Unforgettable Day with an Osprey Family - The Patina Journal

Friend,

I always enjoy speaking with fellow animal enthusiasts. Over the years, some have shared the top-secret locations of hard-to-find wildlife, and every now and then, I'm lucky enough to be let in on one. A while back, a good friend tipped me off to a hidden spot where I could see an osprey family up close. I can’t reveal the exact location—but I can share the experience with you.

This is how I found myself eye-to-eye with a beautiful Osprey family: Mom, Dad, and two nestlings.

In the past, my ability to study ospreys was always from the ground, looking up. But this time was different. Ironically, I had just undergone knee surgery the week before, and as soon as my surgeon gave me the green light, my wife drove me to Central Florida. Our destination? An urban environment—a parking garage right next to a bustling shopping district. Armed with secret directions, we made our way to the north side of the third floor, feeling a bit like we were on a treasure hunt.

As soon as we pulled into the parking space, there they were: just 50 feet away, a family of ospreys nesting in a man-made platform atop a tall pole. I was in seventh heaven.

I spent the rest of the day there, watching the family’s lively routine. One parent would soar off to hunt while the other fed the chicks. What amazed me most was how civilized the two babies were, taking turns at mealtime. Most baby birds will fight aggressively for food. Curious about this, I called my good friend, photographer Mark Smith (who recently published a beautiful book, Osprey). He explained that when there’s an abundance of food, the chicks share peacefully. But when resources are scarce, it’s a different story—the stronger chick will often prevail. Nature’s Law of the Jungle at work.

It was an incredible evening: osprey calls filling the air, a fiery sunset framing the scene, and this extraordinary opportunity to view them almost at eye level—a new and unforgettable perspective.

Fun fact: the word "osprey" dates back to 1460, coming from the Medieval Latin avis prede (bird of prey), and even further back to ossifragus—meaning "bone-breaker."

Ospreys have a special place in my heart and in my art. To me, they are the riverkeepers—a symbol of clean water and a thriving ecosystem. I often see them fishing along the Indian River Lagoon and near the inlets during my early morning paddleboarding adventures. And here at home, they're regular visitors, perching atop the big pine tree behind my studio, calling out over the hum of traffic.

Some more fun osprey facts: According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, ospreys successfully catch fish at least once every four dives, sometimes reaching an impressive 70% success rate. On average, it only takes them about 12 minutes to make a catch. Nature’s master anglers!

The next time you see an osprey, I hope you’ll be reminded not only of their incredible fishing skills, but of their role as ambassadors for a healthy environment—one that we are all part of and responsible for.

If you're ever in the area, I'd love for you to visit our Flagship Studio at 4545 SE Dixie Hwy in Stuart, FL. Feel free to call us at 772-283-8336 to schedule a time to stop by. I hope you enjoy this artist blog!

Be well, be loved,

Geoffrey Smith

Citation:Osprey Facts, Cornell Lab, February 2024, https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Osprey/overview

Sculpture Spotlight

Osprey Pair (Life-Size Sculpture) Years ago, I sculpted this life-size pair of ospreys, capturing their movement and interaction in a visual story. It remains one of my favorite depictions of these remarkable birds. Click Here to Learn More.

Free Spirit (Half-Life-Size Sculpture). "Free Spirit" captures an osprey in flight, wings spread wide. This photo was taken while I was working on the patina (coloring) process at the foundry—a critical step that brings the sculpture to life. Click Here to Learn More

Returning to the Nest

12"L X 16"H

Original Oil Painting by Geoffrey Smith

Click Here to Learn More

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