Osprey

Osprey are no real eagles and don't belong to the Accipitridae (Goshawk-like birds). It is the only specie in the family of pandionidae (Ospreys). My first observation is from May 2015 when I went to the Biesbosch with Chris, Annemieke, Wolter and Gerrit in a rented boat. Already then there was a reported attempt to nest, but unfortunately it didn't succeed. Nevertheless I was able to take pictures from a great distance when the male brought a large catch to the female on the nest.

In the Netherlands it is a drifter in small numbers, especially in April and September, but... (!) since spring 2016 there is at least one (maybe two?) successful breeding cases in the Biesbosch.

In April 2016 I watched this mating attempt through my telescope (filmed with my phone):

In the autumn of 2016 a number of Ospreys (at least four) stayed for a week or more on the Westplaat near the Maasvlakte.

The bird eats almost only fish and can be found mostly at lakes in woods, rivers and the seeshore. Ospreys fly over the water looking for a catch below the surface. When a fish is spotted, the Osprey dives head-first and last moment throws its claws out to catch the fish. Its claws are sharp as a knive and have small stings to get a firm grip on the slippery fish.

All my pictures can be found here

Field characteristics

Ospreys are small eagle-like birds that like to hover above the water looking for fish. It is relatively strong and can catch preys of its own weight. In fllight it can be recognized by the white belly, it's chocolate-brown back and buckled wings. Over it's eyes runs a dark stripe. Male and female are similar. Length is 55cm and the wingspan is 150-170cm. It weights 1.5 -2 kg. Females are slightly larger and heavier.

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