the bird ever

AMERICAN OSPREY (outrunning the storm) - Composition Friday

Osprey Flyover

AMERICAN OSPREY - Composition Sunday

osprey (wall hanging)

Ospreys diving into the water. Photographer: Chen Chengguang.

And here is the walk swim of shame:

*rubs hands* if you wish...

Ospreys are the only (living) member of the family Pandionidae and genus Pandion. The etymological origins of "osprey" remain obscure, but they're often referred to as "Pandion haliaetus", haliaetus being a mix of the greek roots for sea and eagle.

Which is basically what they are! They're the only hawks that eat fish (they can eat other prey too. Actually there are recorded mentions of ospreys eating a deer because they were hungry). But that alone has made them evolve in such interesting ways they can't really compare. They have closable nostrils. They have reversible toes (only owls can do that). They have a 70% range of success (other hawks can have ONE IN TWELVE success rate, for comparison). There is also this thing which I just learnt but I find it funny.

They also migrate. Seeing you're from the US you have haliaetus carolinensis in your area, those migrate to South America (unless you're in California or Florida because the climate is Just Right for them there and they can't be bothered to leave). Other than that they're creatures of habit- there are osprey nests that are still being used that have over 60 years. Nobody bothers trying to find a new one if you have one right here from dead great great uncle Bill right next to you lol.

They also mate for life! But as with most hawks there are instances of switching mates and even multiple mates. It happens rarely though, which has lead to multiple cultures, such as the Chinese, to see them as a symbol of fidelity.

They're actually one of the most difficult birds to train according to most falconers. Which is ironic because they're also absolute failures and the #1 natural reason for osprey death is them DROWNING before catching the fish.