Identification - In flight note the all-white breast and belly and the long wings that are quite bent at the wrist. The wrists have a large dark patch. When perched, the white head can suggest a Bald Eagle, but note the dark crown and eye stripe and the white breast. Sexes are similar in appearance.
Morsels - Unlike the Bald Eagle, which usually takes a fish from the water at the end of a long, low glide, the Osprey normally hovers up to 100 feet (30 meters) above the water, then dives feet first with wings held over the back. It can hit the water with a tremendous splash and its body often goes completely under. Then with powerful wingbeats, it lifts itself and the fish out of the water, shaking the water from its plumage and aligning the fish headfirst with its talons as it flies off to the nest.
