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Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)

© John J. Mosesso

Length: 21-25 in.; wingspan to 6ft.
Habitat: usually near large bodies of water.

The Osprey, or Fish Hawk, sights its prey while hovering, then plunges feet first into the water. Sharp talons pierce and lock into the fish; when the bird rises, it is almost always carrying its catch head first. Ospreys nest on dead trees, floating buoys, utility poles and towers, and rarely (if undisturbed) on the ground. The stick nest may contain rope and miscellaneous debris that has washed up on shore, as well as sprugs of greenery—a characteristic also common to hawk and eagle nests. In recent years the Osprey has begun to recover from the disastrous effects of pesticides and other pollutants.