Description:

Osprey's are fishing birds and can be seen hovering above the water searching for prey. When a fish is spotted, the Osprey dives down and grabs using its talons. The fish is then flown (head first) to a perch, where it is devoured. Osprey populations declined in the 1950's & 60's due to pesticides. But they have slowly made a comeback. Their dark eyestripe makes them look like a masked bandit.


Appearance:

Dark brown wings, nape, and eyestripe. White chin, throat, breast, belly, undertail coverts, and legs. Yellowish eyes and a curved black bill. 21 to 24 inches in length.


Habitat:

Lakes, rivers, and coastal shores.


Nesting:

2-4 white, pink, or buff eggs with brown blotches and a 32-43 day incubation period. Fledging occurs 48-59 days after hatching. The nest is a bulky mass of sticks placed in a tree, on a telephone pole, or on the ground.


Observed Locations:

• Lake Murray, La Mesa
• San Diego River Flood Control Channel, San Diego
• San Elijo Lagoon, Cardiff-by-the-Sea
• San Diego Bay (J St Marina), Chula Vista
• Entrance to Fiesta Island, Mission Bay

  Listen To This Bird ( mp3 )
         Song #1