It was a full frenzy of getting new sticks for the nest. The male would jump in the air, fly to the tree line, and return with materials. Over and over again.
The trick was trying to get the shot of his flight. He kept changing his direction last minute.

Ellen was nearby so we would try to warn each other. We discovered no matter where he was looking, the last intense glare was where he would head. It was a game, almost.

Above the male was facing one way, but made a last minute turn to our right.


A stretch, then a quick turn gave him away, and we both were ready.

And finally above is the shot we wanted. A leap into mid air.
A few times he did fool us, but most of the time stayed true to his plan.
We both had lots of laughs over his plans, until he started to really fool us later in the day.