Osprey

These Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) live near the house, high in a dead tree. I guess their nest is 50' (15 meters) up in the tree. They completely ignored me as I shot these images.



The osprey is a large bird of prey or raptor, inhabiting wetland areas worldwide. This unusual bird has no close relatives; it is the only living species of the genus Pandion, which is in turn the only genus in the bird family Pandionidae. The osprey is particularly well adapted to its fish diet, with reversible outer toes, closeable nostrils to keep water out during dives, and backwards facing scales on the talons which act as barbs to help hold its catch.



Ospreys mate for life and start breeding between the ages of five and seven years. This pair are about 24" long (60 cm) with 5.5 foot (167 cm) wingspans.

Next visit I'm going to get some close ups of their nest. I thought it was really interesting the way they're adding Spanish Moss. It makes the nest appear spooky, somehow.