Osprey (Pandion jhaliaetus)

 

Photos by BarrytheBirder

The Osprey is a large gull-like raptor found near water.   The Osprey family contains only 1 species.   They are widespread throughout the Northern Hemisphere and Australia.   They are found in Alaska, coast-to-coast across lower Canada, in the western U.S.A. and Atlantic coastline.

The distinctive long wing shape and dark eye-line are quite noticeable.

Ospreys are excellent fishermen, catching prey with their feet after an impressive feet-first dive, normally from a hover or a glide.   They usually enter the water completely.

They are able to take off from the surface, and shake vigorously to remove water, after becoming airborne.

Ospreys winter in the Caribbean, Central America and northern South America.

The Peterson Field Guide on Hawks states that "According tomuch folklore, Bald Eagles rob Ospreys of fish, but they do so rarely in real life.   The 2 species cohabit water areas surprisingly peacefuuly, with only an occasional antagonistic encounter, initiated by either species".

Please comment if you wish.

Barry Wallace