Friday's Foto

Osprey, Sylvan Water, Green-Wood Cemetery

The Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) is so distinctive, that it is the only species in its genus. One of their unique characteristics is having a reversible toe that enables them to more easily hold onto fish. Another is a diet that consists almost entirely of fish. A 6' wingspan allows them to easily pull themselves from the water and take flight, often with a very heavy catch in tow. Their worldwide range makes them the second most widely distributed raptor after the Peregrine Falcon. In North America their range extends from Alaska to Baja California, and along the Atlantic coast from Labrador to Florida. They can be found in temperate and tropical regions of all continents.