Photo by BarrytheBirder
American Osprey
(Pandion haliaetus)
Ospreys exist by eating fish almost exclusively and they are very adept at seizing and hanging onto their prey. Philip Perry, in his 1990 book 'Birds of Prey' says: 'The long talons and sharp spicules on the soles of an Osprey's feet enable it to maintain a firm hold on a slippery fish. In addition, it can reverse its outer toe so that two toes face forward and two backward for an even better grip". Indeed, a nifty adaptation for a fish-eater.
Please comment if you wish.
BarrytheBirder
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