Osprey
The Osprey ( Pandion haliaetus ) is a large, striking bird of prey belonging to the family Pandionidae . It is easily recognized by its white underparts, dark brown upperparts, and a distinctive dark eye stripe that extends to the nape. With its long, narrow wings and a wingspan of up to 1.8 meters, the Osprey is a powerful and graceful flier. The BTO code for the Osprey is OP . Ospreys are found near freshwater lakes, rivers, and coastal areas, where they hunt for fish, their primary food source. They are often seen hovering over the water before diving feet-first to catch prey with their sharp talons. Adaptations such as reversible outer toes and spiny foot pads help them grip slippery fish. Ospreys breed in the UK from late March to September , primarily in Scotland, with smaller populations in England and Wales. They build large nests, called eyries, in the tops of tall trees, cliffs, or artificial platforms. The nests are constructed from sticks and lined with softer materials suc...
