Osprey in Michigan: Staying Curious and Camera-Ready Over 50

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I’ve always believed that adventure doesn’t have to come with a plane ticket. Sometimes it shows up right in your own backyard, or in my case, as an Osprey in Michigan, just off the shore of Lake Macatawa in beautiful Southern Michigan. Well, Southwest Michigan, to be specific.

One warm summer afternoon, I packed up my camera and hopped in the boat with my husband, Dan. We didn’t have a plan—just sunscreen, my trusty Baggallini bag stuffed with the essentials, and a cruise around the lake.

A Bird, a Boat, and a Big Surprise

It started when Dan pointed to the sky and said, “What is that?”

I looked up just in time to catch sight of a massive bird soaring above us. Big wings, graceful glide, laser focus on the water. In one fast, smooth dive, it plunged into the lake and came up clutching a wriggling catfish. It was breathtaking.

We watched as the bird flew toward one of the large steel markers in the lake—you know the kind, permanently anchored and usually overlooked unless you’re navigating. At the top sat a big, messy pile of sticks. At first glance, it looked like a bit of debris, but as we drifted closer, the pile shifted. Suddenly, three fuzzy little heads popped up—young osprey, or as I later learned, osprey chicks in their new nest.

A nest. A family. Right there in plain sight.

Papa bird landed with his fresh catch, clearly proud but also a little annoyed at the boat full of gawking humans circling his nesting site. He watched us carefully, occasionally letting out a loud squawk—his way of saying, “Move along, tourists.”

Osprey returning to its nest atop a tower structure in Michigan, clutching a fish in its talons with one chick visible in the nest below.

The Joy of the Unexpected

We didn’t move along, not right away anyway. Dan patiently guided the boat in slow loops around the marker while I snapped photo after photo. I had my long lens on, and it gave me a better view than my eyes could manage. Still, I wasn’t quite sure what kind of bird we were looking at.

It wasn’t until later that evening, after the boat was back in the garage and the lake water had been washed out of my hair, that I sat down to review the photos. I grabbed my bird guide and flipped through the pages until I found a match.

Osprey.

A Conservation Comeback Story

I had no idea we even had osprey in Michigan, especially this close to home in the southern half of the Lower Peninsula. But it turns out that this “fish hawk,” with its striking white plumage and hooked beak, is one of the largest birds of prey in North America—and they’ve been slowly returning to the United States after decades of decline.

Their preferred hunting grounds? The shallow fish-filled waters of Michigan, where a well-timed dive can feed a nest filled with a number of chicks.

Once placed on the threatened species list and recognized as a species of special concern, Michigan osprey populations were hit hard by habitat loss, contaminated fish, and the widespread use of the pesticide DDT in the ’60s and ’70s.

Their survival depended on a statewide nest program, part of a larger reintroduction program led by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Volunteers and scientists installed nesting platforms on utility poles, cell phone towers, and safe spots near public roads, encouraging nesting attempts in both the southern and northern parts of the state.

Thanks to that hard work, osprey numbers are climbing, and the state’s osprey population is now considered a conservation success story. You can now find active nests throughout the Great Lakes region, from Northern Michigan down to the Grand River corridor.

I later learned that organizations like Audubon Great Lakes monitor many osprey nests, and yes, you can even “adopt an osprey” to support continued efforts. It’s an easy way to give back—and let’s be honest, how often do you get to say you helped raise a raptor?

This moment reminded me why I keep this free printable travel journal tucked in my bag—it helps me hold onto stories like this one.

Wildlife Photography Tips from a Moving Boat

I’ll admit it: I wasn’t prepared for an Osprey sighting. But I was prepared enough to get some great shots. If you ever find yourself in the right place at the right time, here are a few tips that might help you catch the moment.

Camera Gear and Shooting Tips

Use a zoom lens. I used a Canon 75–300mm. It’s not fancy, but perfect for daylight and action. It will do the trick without draining your travel fund.
Shoot with a fast shutter speed. The boat was moving. The bird was moving. I needed every bit of help I could get to freeze the moment.
Keep your ISO low in bright sun. I set mine to 100 and didn’t touch it the whole time.
Snap from different angles. I didn’t know I’d be writing about this moment, but now I’m glad I have plenty of photos to tell the story.
A good cleaning kit is essential after shooting outdoors—you don’t want dust and water spots ruining your shots later.
And don’t underestimate a good camera strap or Neewer tripod to make sure you don’t miss your moment.

Looking for even more wildlife? Don’t overlook bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and other large birds nesting in Northern Michigan. A quality spotting scope can help you scan treetops and towers from a respectful distance. I do love looking in my own backyard for nest locations, not just for Osprey, but other backyard birds as well.

Using Your Cell Phone for Wildlife Shots

Not everyone carries a DSLR, and that’s okay. Today’s phones are smarter than ever and can capture wildlife better than you might think. Try these tips next time something takes flight near you.

Make the Most of Mobile Photography

Use burst mode so you can catch motion without delay.
Tap your screen to focus manually and adjust the light.
Keep your elbows in to steady the shot, or rest your arms on something solid.
Avoid zooming with your fingers. It just pixelates the image. If it’s safe, move closer instead.
Edit later with apps like Snapseed or Lightroom Mobile.
If your hands shake easily (like mine sometimes do), a portable Amazon phone tripod is a game-changer for nature shots.

Capturing fish-eating birds like ospreys takes practice, but with a little patience and little effort, you’ll start to notice more wildlife in your own backyard than you ever expected.

Watercolor-style image of an osprey perched in its nest in Michigan, with intense yellow eyes and branches framing the scene against a light blue sky. — I had a little editing fun with this shot, but just look at that face!

Why You Should Visit Holland, Michigan—Even If It’s Not Your Backyard

That day on the boat reminded me just how much beauty lives right under our noses—if we’re willing to look for it.

Holland, Michigan just happens to be my backyard. And while you may not call it home, it’s the kind of place that welcomes you in and makes you feel like you belong. From the soft waves of Lake Macatawa to the charm of downtown shops, tulip-lined streets, and quiet walking trails, it’s one of those towns that quietly surprises you, just like that osprey did.

If you love exploring the Mitten State as much as I do, check out more of my Michigan travel stories for ideas beyond Holland.

If you’ve ever had a travel moment that caught you by surprise, don’t let it slip away. My free printable travel journal is the perfect place to jot down the details before they fade.

If you’re ready to plan a trip to this corner of Southern Michigan, shoot for Tulip Time, and enjoy a hassle-free Holland tulip tour with this VIP adventure! to help you make the most of your visit.

Where to Stay in Holland

If you’re planning a visit and want to stay close to all the action, here’s a handy map of places to stay in and around Holland, Michigan. Whether you’re looking for a boutique inn near downtown or a cozy hotel with easy beach access, this map has you covered. Start your day with breakfast at one of Holland’s top restaurants. Then come back and rest in comfort.

Looking for more Michigan breakfast spots, scenic drives, or quirky roadside attractions? Join the Michigan Road Trips Facebook group and hit the road with insider tips from real travelers.

If you’re visiting during Tulip Time, I highly recommend booking early as hotels fill up fast during peak bloom.

Want even more inspiration for your trip? My book, 100 Things to Do in Holland, Michigan Before You Die, is packed with local favorites, hidden gems, and seasonal ideas to help you plan your perfect visit. It’s a fun, easy read—whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a while. Oh! If you liked this article, you will probably like these, too!

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