Check my previous post from yesterday for details and photo.
Osprey
photo credit-Seattle Audubon
http://www.birdweb.org/birdweb/bird_details.aspx?id=96
Here are some details from Seattle Audubon Bird Web -
General Description
North American Range
Habitat
Ospreys live near rivers, estuaries, salt marshes, lakes, reservoirs, and other large bodies of water. They are rare along rivers in the shrub-steppe zone, as they prefer water surrounded by forested habitat. They can be found near fresh or salt water, as long as the water can sustain medium-sized fish.
Behavior
Ospreys hover over the water, plunging feet first when they spot prey. They fly with slow wing-beats interspersed with glides. Ospreys form pair bonds through aerial flight displays and courtship feeding.
Diet
The vast majority of the Osprey's diet is fish, typically 5-16 inches in size. Only occasionally, when fish aren't available, will the Osprey eat small mammals, birds, or reptiles. However, the Osprey is highly specialized for eating fish and does not stray from this diet unless necessary. When it catches a fish, the Osprey usually flies with it held headfirst.
Nesting
Ospreys build large nests near water, on top of dead trees or artificial structures that are similar to dead trees, such as utility or nesting poles. Nests are made of branches, sticks, and twigs, lined with smaller twigs, grasses, bark, moss, fish bones, and other material. They will reuse nests year after year and continue to add sticks each year, ending up with a huge nest. Nests may be more than seven feet across and over five feet deep. The female typically lays 3 eggs, although clutch sizes between 2 and 4 eggs are normal. Both members of the pair incubate the eggs for 38-43 days. After the young hatch, the female stays with them, and the male brings food. Once the young can be left alone, both parents provide food. The young do not fledge until they are 44-59 days old.
Migration Status
Ospreys are migratory, the majority wintering south of the US border. Most reports of Ospreys wintering in Washington are likely to be misidentifications of sub-adult bald eagles.
Conservation Status
The Osprey suffered great declines in the past century as a result of DDT and other eggshell-thinning pesticides. Since the ban of DDT in 1972, the Osprey has made, and continues to make, a strong comeback in much of North America. Range expansion into formerly occupied areas has been slow due to their strong philopatry to nesting areas. Artificial nest platforms have significantly increased nesting in many areas. The Breeding Bird Survey has reported a significant increase in the Osprey population in Washington.
Thanks to all who care about Wildlife Habitat in Shoreline!
Send me more sightings!
Happy birding!
Janet
MBT Shoes are really very comfortable and they can burn your extra calories. Shop at our recommended online MBT retailer for the largest selection of MBT Shoes. They carry the entire line, along with the largest selection of last season's styles. The Guaranteed Lowest Prices. And Free Shipping (including returns). They make trying MBTs risk-free.
ReplyDeleteSpecial Discount: For a limited time save 68% off to 80% off of MBT Shoes from our recommended MBT retailer. This is an exclusive discount, and only available for online orders using the link above.MBT women shoes and MBT Men shoes are the most fashional trend of 2012.
http://www.shopbymbt.com/
Canada Goose Canada Goose is a famouse brand created in Canada. Canada Goose BlogCanada Goose Blog best level of quality and iconic style, Canada Goose Clothing Canada Goose Clothing including Canada Goose Men Clothing, Canada Goose Women Clothing and Canada Goose Kids Clothing. Canada Goose Clothing will be Mens and Womens best choice. canada goose new arrival Canada Goose Features Products:Canada Goose Expedition Parka. Canada goose men parka Canada Goose Women parka protect you in the freezing cold days Canada Goose women parka Canada goose accesories Canada Goose Accesories
ReplyDeletecanada goose
[url=http://www.canadagooseinusa.com]canada goose[/url]
http://www.canadagooseinusa.com canda goose