Rondeau Ric

Another photo from the boat, so many birds so little time. This osprey sat on top of a pole in the marsh and allowed us to drift close . Pandion haliaetus Ospreys are unusual among hawks in possessing a reversible outer toe that allows them to grasp with two toes in front and two behind. Barbed pads on the soles of the birds' feet help them grip slippery fish. When flying with prey, an Osprey lines up its catch head first for less wind resistance.

We watched this osprey hunting over a large pool. It would fly along, dip, hover then fly on or dive. We watched him hit the water, go under then come up empty handed, so to speak. Sometimes they are referred to as a fish eagle, probably due to their size, their wingspan can reach 6 feet. Pandion haliaetus Ospreys are unusual among hawks in possessing a reversible outer toe that allows them to grasp with two toes in front and two behind. Barbed pads on the soles of the birds' feet help them grip slippery fish. When flying with prey, an Osprey lines up its catch head first for less wind resistance. The oldest known Osprey was 25 years, 2 months old. source - Cornell Lab of Ornithology