Osprey

Habitat: Osprey have only two requirements for their habitat: clear, fish-rich water and no persecution by humans. They hunt above rivers, lakes and along the coast. They are migratory birds that spend the winter in the tropics. The European birds mainly migrate to West Africa. Many of them are shot by southern European hunters during their migration (this was certainly the case in the past, but I am not familiar with the current situation).

Appearance: A rare but widespread migratory bird throughout Europe, mainly a summer visitor to Scotland, Scandinavia, the southern Baltic countries and Ukraine. In Belgium and the Netherlands, it is an extremely rare breeding bird, passing through in very small numbers, and a winter visitor in very small numbers.

Breeding season: April to August, nesting in trees. The nest is not taken over by other large birds of prey; it is repaired and expanded each year. It is usually located in the highest trees and always with a clear view of the fishing grounds. In the tropics, the osprey also breeds on rocky cliffs or simply on the ground, often in loose colonies. As long as the birds remain in the breeding area, they roost on their branch nests. Both parents incubate the eggs, but mainly the female, which is fed by the male, lays 3 eggs.

Characteristics: Length 52 – 60 cm, wingspan 145 – 170 cm, weight 1120 – 2100 grams, age 32 years.

Food: Ospreys are highly specialised fish hunters. In addition, their prey includes small mammals, turtles, ducks, sea snakes, frogs, crayfish and water snails. Snail shells are smashed on a rock. During the hunt, the eagle usually flies back and forth about 50 m above the water. Once it has spotted its prey, it first hovers and then drops with its wings half closed, correcting its direction with small movements. Finally, it stretches its legs forward and dives into the water, disappearing in a fountain of droplets. Seconds later, it reappears, waits with outstretched wings on the water until the fish has stopped floundering, and then rises from the water with heavy wing beats. He can catch fish weighing up to 2 kg, although it itself weighs no more than 2 kg. However, he sometimes catches fish that are too big and too strong for him, which he has to let go, exhausted, after a few futile attempts.