Are we having fish for dinner?

The osprey ( Pandion haliaetus ), also know as the fish hawk, is one of the world's most widely distributed birds. Its distinctive white head, prominent dark eye stripes, and 6-foot long wingspan easily identify this large, striking bird of prey.

Ospreys return to Pennsylvania from their wintering grounds in the tropics each spring to breed. Since their diet consists almost entirely of fish, the best place to look for Ospreys and their large stick nests are near large bodies of water bordered by trees. While foraging, the bird hovers over water, dives toward its prey and plunges feet first to seize it! Spines on the soles of its toes make it easier for it to hold on to slippery fish. Bald eagles have been known to take advantage of the osprey's exceptional fishing skills by snatching freshly caught fish from their talons.

Osprey numbers declined significantly during the 1950's to 1970's as a result of exposure to DDT, habitat destruction, and water pollution. Today, about 40 pairs have established nests in Pennsylvania due in part to a highly successful reintroduction program. Three nests have been found in Somerset County, one of 15 counties in which WPC is conducting a County Natural Heritage Inventory. The osprey was down-listed from state endangered to threatened in 1998, after being considered extirpated in 1979 and then rebounding to its present numbers. To learn more about the osprey and its natural history, visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission's Website at: www.pgc.state.pa.us/wildlife/endangered/osprey/index.asp.

Photo courtesy of arttoday.com.

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