Times of the Islands Spring 2021

The author is a wildlife photographer and has learned never to leave
her camera behind.
and crawl to a safer area before standing. One last look
over my shoulder helps me absorb the beautiful moment.
Lo and behold, the osprey mother is now feeding the
chicks.
“I can come back,” I say to my mum. She convinces
me to seize the moment and without much persuasion, I
am back on the ledge with my camera.
I am being squawked at feverishly, but I stay still.
With what seems like a puff of frustration mama osprey
stops and side-eyes me while continuing to pick at the
fish. The chicks are demanding their servings in turns
while the mother sneaks a piece for herself every now and
then.
The phone rings again. I’ve lost track of time and now
my family’s bellies are grumbling for some food too. I say
goodbye and thank you to the birds. It seems cheesy but
it’s important to me. We make our way back down the
path, excitement and exhilaration running through our
veins from what we just witnessed.
If there is one thing I have learnt over the years, it
is: Always expect the unexpected. It can seem laborious
to lug camera equipment around for what seems to be a
quick excursion but honestly, it’s worth it every time.
Hopefully on my next trip to Providenciales, the nest
will still be there with a new family to photograph. a
To see more of my adventures around the world, visit my
Instagram @LornaRaePhotog.
Times of the Islands Spring 2021 49