Ed's Musings

Osprey
The power and grace of the Osprey is a joy to watch. Osprey are large raptors with wing spans reaching six feet at maturity. The Osprey has a brown and white coloration with a dark mask like line through the eyes and face. There is a distinctive dark area at the wrist or bend of the wings. Their calls are loud musical chirping sounds.

They build large nests of sticks and brush in the crown of trees or on platforms of telephone poles around the lakes, rivers or on the sea coast. The female lays 2-4 eggs with white and pinkish brown markings. Both parents take part in the incubation process that lasts 32-42 days. After the eggs hatch, both parents feed the young using razor sharp talons and flesh tearing beaks. The young fledge out in 48-58 days and begin to learn lifes' lessons.

Osprey feed on fish and soar over the water until they spot a fish close to the surface. They then dive with outstretched talons and splash into the water, quickly resurfacing and flying off with their catch. The Osprey adjusts the fish in its talons so the head of the fish is pointed forward. This is done for aerodynamic reasons.

Osprey mate for life and migrate south to winter feeding grounds. They arrive in the Adirondacks shortly after ice out and migrate south to open water in early fall.

Until next time

Ed