Always remember to give them their space and maintain proper etiquette when trying to photograph them. That being said, it is important not to disturb them. It really is something special to see an osprey hunt.Īs a final reminder, it’s an amazing experience to see, and even photograph, all of these beautiful birds in the wild. All the while they never take their eyes off of the prey. Moments before they reach the water, they adjust their bodies to lead with their talons as they enter the water. If you've ever seen an Osprey dive for a fish, you'll notice that they dive head first for less wind resistance. Once in the air, a few shakes will shed the excess water from their feathers - which are oiler than any other species of hawk in order to repel water more efficiently. Osprey will dive up to three feet in pursuit of prey, and their wing joints are specialized to allow a vertical takeoff when emerging back into the sky. ![]() They also have barbed pads on the soles of their feet that allow them to steadily grip slippery fish. First, they have a reversible outer toe that allows them to grasp with two toes in front and two behind. They owe this success-rate to a few key characteristics that set them apart from other raptors. Studies show they are able to catch a fish about once every four dives and often only have to hunt for 12 minutes before finding success. The Osprey, or Seahawk, is the most accomplished angler of all raptors. Today, Eagles are thriving in most of the state, and there are eight known pairs on Long Island with nests in East Hampton, Shelter Island, Islip, Brookhaven, Huntington and North Hempstead according to State Department of Environmental Conservation wildlife biologist, Kelly Hamilton. In New York State, the Department of Environmental Protection successfully implemented a reintroduction program using specimens from other states, mainly Alaska, and we have seen a rebounding in their numbers. This issue was compounded by the fact that they were also regularly hunted for sport or to “protect” fishing grounds for many decades. Bald Eagles aren’t above indulging in an easy meal of carrion, including dead fish that have washed ashore.īald Eagles, like most other raptors, fell victim to the effects of DDT and other pesticides during the 20th century. ![]() ![]() They are also opportunistic and have been known to harass Osprey, other small raptors, and even mammals into dropping their kill. They’ve been known to hunt collaboratively, with one partner flushing a target out into the open and the other snatching it up. The Bald Eagle is a fierce predator, soaring high overhead and diving at speeds up to 100 mph to catch a fish or other prey. Their distinctive white-feathered head contrasts beautifully with the chocolate-brown of the rest of their plumage, and their massive wingspan - which can surpass six feet - can be simultaneously awe-inspiring and invoke primordial fear. Even before the United States adapted it as our national emblem in 1782, many of America’s Native People regarded the Bald Eagle as a spiritual symbol. Few sights are more majestic than a Bald Eagle in flight or stoically perched in a tree.
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