FRIENDS OF THE LAKESHORE NATURE PRESERVE
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Osprey - the ultimate fisher at the Preserve

9/3/2017

2 Comments

 
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 The Osprey — also called fish eagle, sea hawk, river hawk, and fish hawk — is unique among North American raptors for its diet of live fish and ability to dive into water to catch them, This Osprey is a common sight soaring over the shoreline of Lake Mendota or watching the water from a high perch on a dead tree. The Osprey population has rebounded in North America and they do well around humans.  Hunting Ospreys are a picture of concentration, diving with feet outstretched and yellow eyes sighting straight along their talons. Mike Bailey has masterfully captured this elegant bird, carrying a fish to a favorite perch. Ospreys can grasp with two toes in front and two behind. Barbed pads on the soles of the birds' feet help them grip slippery fish. When flying with prey, an Osprey lines up its catch head first for less wind resistance. 

While the Lake is one of the hunting waters of this regular visitor to the Preserve, we do not know where it builds its nest. Ospreys have a cosmopolitan range, and this one could nest as far away as a cell phone tower off Fish Hatchery Road just east of the Madison Newspapers building, where Mike Bailey has spotted a nest. See also  All About Birds 
2 Comments
Michael Miller
6/30/2020 07:17:35 pm

Saw a beautiful white headed ospreys flying over memorial union terrace today.

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Dan Forand link
5/22/2023 07:34:29 pm

Your article on the osprey, aptly termed as the "ultimate fisher," was captivating and enlightening. The description of the bird's unique hunting and fishing abilities underscored its exceptional adaptations for survival. This, coupled with Mike Bailey's masterful photography, brings the osprey's world to life for your readers.

It's inspiring to learn about the osprey's successful rebound in North America. This is testament to the resilience of nature and, in some cases, the positive impacts of human conservation efforts. Their ability to coexist alongside humans in various habitats also speaks volumes about their adaptability.

The details about how the osprey aligns its catch head-first for less wind resistance and its unique foot design that aids in gripping slippery fish further enhanced my understanding and appreciation for this incredible raptor.

The mystery around this particular osprey's nesting location adds a layer of intrigue. I am hopeful that continuous observation might eventually reveal more about its habits and life outside of the Preserve.

Thank you for sharing such an insightful piece on the osprey. I look forward to learning more about the wildlife at the Preserve. I love to read and learn as much as I can about these amazing birds considering I work with them often on Cape Cod (https://www.pilgrimpestpro.com/osprey-control/)

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Friends of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve
 P.O. Box 5534
 Madison, WI 53705 

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Groundswell Conservancy
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Friends of Amphibians
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  • Home
  • People & Events
    • Field Trips
  • The Preserve
    • Maps >
      • 1918 Marsh
      • Eagle Heights Woods
    • Birds
    • Animals
    • Plants
  • Support us
  • About
    • Newsletter
    • Mission and Goals
    • Annual Reports
    • Committees & Contact