Osprey

1/2000s at f8.0, ISO:800, Canon Mark IV 1D w/800mm, x1.4 coverter


The Osprey has a worldwide distribution and is found in temperate and tropical regions of all continents except Antarctica. The Osprey tolerates a wide variety of habitats, nesting in any location near a body of water providing an adequate food supply. For the most part it is a fish-eating bird of prey. The Osprey differs in several respects from other diurnal birds of prey. Its toes are of equal length, its tarsi are reticulate, and its talons are rounded, rather than grooved. The Osprey is the only raptor whose outer toe is reversible, allowing it to grasp its prey with two toes in front and two behind. The Osprey breeds by freshwater lakes, and sometimes on coastal brackish waters. The nest is a large heap of sticks, driftwood and seaweed built in forks of trees, rocky outcrops, utility poles, artificial platforms or offshore islets. Generally, Ospreys reach sexual maturity and begin breeding around the age of three to four years. Ospreys usually mate for life. In spring the pair begins a five-month period of partnership to raise their young. The female lays two to four eggs within a month. The eggs are incubated for about 5 weeks to hatching. The average time between hatching and fledging is 69 days. When food is scarce, the first chicks to hatch are most likely to survive.
Rockport, Texas
 
04/05/2012