Western Osprey: Pandion Haliaetus, A Large Raptor

in nature •  7 years ago  (edited)

Some of you may know (or remember from a previous post) that I have a thing for large birds of prey.

Osprey are considered to be diurnal which means that they generally tend to be active during the day and they sleep in nests during the night.

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Osprey predominantly eat fish and because of this fact, they are often referred to as either a river or sea hawk.

This one (in the photo below) has just caught a fish and is actually standing on it, on the fence post.

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Osprey are generally 2 feet tall and they have a 6 foot wing-span.

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I wanted you to be able to see what I see so l’ve included a small GIF of this osprey as it flies away carrying the fish.

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In the photo (below) you can see the birds’ nest. It’s built on a wooden platform that was specifically constructed to facilitate and attract the osprey to nest there. A mating pair calls this nest their home and they have built it out of fairly substantial tree branches. Nests are re-used from one year to the next and sometimes they are reused for decades. Of course, the birds do repair their nests as needed.

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These birds are migratory (in my area of Ontario, Canada). They breed in the late Spring (May to early June) and fly as far as South America for the Winter (starting their migration in September.)

Osprey are the second most widely distributed raptor species on our planet. Second only to the Peregrine Falcon.

Osprey are found on every continent, with the exception of Antarctica and they mate for life.

I welcome your comments and I invite you to follow me on my journey...I’ll do my best to show you as many raptors as I can, in their natural habitat.

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~ Rebecca

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So many beautiful wonders in the world , it’s crazy. This is beautiful part of nature

I think that I am incredibly lucky to be able to catch Mother Nature doing her thing on a regular basis.
It restores my energy and lets me live in harmony.
Thanks for commenting @journeyoflife!

I have learn something new about osprey, their habit and living status. Canada will be proud for it.

For this I am thankful... that I could share something with you that is happening close to my home and this can reach you on the other side of the world @sheikh27.

I like nature a lot
This bird makes nature a special creation
Greetings

Hi @walidsalah, I was fortunate enough to be at just the right place at just the right time. ;)

I now know you love nature as well. Great post and it's nice to learn things about you.

Why thank you @bigblueleadsled! I took this series of shots just down the road from my house. This pair of osprey regularly fish in the river by my house. I often see them fishing together. When one gets a fish, it will call for the other and they will eat together.

Wow, I've never heard of that. That's interesting.

I had one just like him but he died:(

How long was the bird in your care @chichano?
Was it injured or do you think it was old age?

He was ill when he was 12 years old but three doctors did not detect his illness until and he died quickly

Ah...I am sorry...it's tough with birds...it's really difficult to find someone skilled enough to care for them when they become sick. :(

it is beautiful story! excellent shot

Thank you @ahlawat! The birds don’t look very majestic until they open their wings and soar in the air. It is then, that you get a sense of their true size and power. Beautiful to watch in action. ;)

Awesome! Osprey are incredible birds. I love watching them dive and catch fish during the summer down on the Sound.

They migrate here in the winter and often take over or take back eagles nests. Always near the water for the fishing sport. I like having the raptures around as they are fun to watch. 🐓🐓

I just love birds I admire birds of prey. When they float in the air and look for there daily catch it is so stunning. I am not very happy with high mountains, but the chance to see eagles makes the fear disappear thanks for sharing!