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D & D Wildlife Photography
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The Osprey is a large, black and white bird of prey that eats almost exclusively fish, which it pulls from the water after a spectacular dive. Ospreys are dark above, white below, with a white head and prominent black streak through the eye. They form a shallow M when soaring and gliding, wrists up and forward, wingtips pointing down. Females are generally more streaked on the breast than males, and they may have a necklace of dark speckles. As with most raptors, the female is somewhat larger than the male. The osprey has pale, bumpy feet with four toes tipped with long, curved, black talons. One outer toe can face frontward or backwards. . Often called the fish eagle because its diet is mostly fish, usually caught while hovering over water, then diving down to catch them in its talons.The Osprey nest is a large platform nest of sticks lined with moss and grass, and is placed on a tree, cliff or human structure five to two hundred feet high. Lays two to four eggs, whitish with reddish-brown splotches.
Length: 24 inches
Wingspan: up to 72 inches
Habitat: Large lakes, rivers, coast.
Voice: A down-slurred chirp given in mild alarm; an ascending squeal given during sky dance display.
Other Behavior: Male brings female all of her food during breeding. Immature birds stay on wintering grounds for two years before returning north.
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