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OspreyAlternative names: "White-headed Osprey", "Fish-hawk" Size: male 50 cm, female 65 cm; wing span up to 1.7 m |
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Habitat |
(for details refer to a field guide) |
Apart from the lower valleys some major rivers, Ospreys are not found anywhere inland. They populate almost the entire Australian coastline, except for some parts of the south coast. Found also on some coastal islands and in the pelagic towards Indonesia.
Ospreys hunt in mangrove marshes, estuaries and along rivers, but also coastal waters and around offshore islands.
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Sightings |
Until 2010 we had seen only one family of Ospreys, near the estuary of the Greenough River into the ocean, south of Geraldton, Western Australia, in March 2003.
In January 2011 an Osprey was observed by us patrolling the coastline at Sawtell Lookout, Sawtell, NSW. Another was observed near Hat Head, NSW.
An Osprey was seen by C. Kellenberg at Point Plomer, Limeburners Creek Nature Reserve, NSW, in February 2009.
Also seen by us in Oman.
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Photos |
Not the photos you want? Or are you after even better quality? Have a look here.
Osprey on a perch; photo courtesy of C. Kellenberg
Lateral view of an Osprey in flight; as seen the bird was
stationary in an onshore updraft
Here a different perspective, from underneath
The same bird as above looking around
The Osprey was seen to shake itself thoroughly in-flight,
while maintaining its position above the coastline
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Food |
All raptors are carnivores. Ospreys feed on fish, which they can catch up to 1 m below the water surface (usually of the sea, not fresh water).
This bird was disturbed by us when sitting on an electricity
pole and devouring its meal; it is still holding the remnants in
one of its claws
