Nesting Osprey

As I twittered – is twittered a verb? – yesterday there is the LARGE nest on top of the light pole in the softball park here in Bellevue. I noticed this nest a couple of months ago when I started working here. I try and take a brisk 20 minute walk in the afternoons just to give myself a break and some fresh air. I finally saw a bird using the nest. After some research I figured out that it is an Osprey (Pandion haliaetus). Here are some osprey facts:

- The osprey is the most widespread raptor in the world. They can be found on every continent except Antarctica. Like most raptors, ospreys are migratory.

- Ospreys are particularly suited to catch fish, their primary food source. They possess a reversible fourth toe which allows them to grasp fish more securely by positioning two toes forward and two toes back. Also, the undersides of an osprey’s feet are covered in spiny spicules which prevent fish from wriggling free. They plunge feet first into the water to seize prey and may even submerge completely. A little known adaptation that facilitates these dives is the bird’s ability to close its nostrils.

- Ospreys are only slightly smaller than eagles. The female osprey is larger than the male and may be distinguished by her brown spotted necklace.

This large, long-winged bird of prey cuts a striking figure, its name is derived from the Latin word ossifragus, meaning “a bone breaker.” osprey may also be referred to as fish hawk, fish eagle or Seahawk. A fitting name for a football team indeed!