Osprey of Merritt Island

The osprey (Pandion haliaetus), also known as the sea hawk or river hawk, is a large bird of prey that is a common and spectacular sight around Merritt Island and the Indian River Lagoon.

Osprey are unique among hawks because their diet consists almost exclusively of live fish. They are superbly adapted for this lifestyle, with specialized vision to see through the glare on the water and reversible outer toes to help them grip slippery fish.

Osprey Facts

• •Osprey dive feet-first to catch fish, sometimes fully submerging themselves.
• •After catching a fish, they arrange it head-first in their talons to reduce aerodynamic drag while flying.
• •Their massive nests are made of sticks and can weigh hundreds of pounds.
• •They often mate for life and return to the same nest year after year.
• •Osprey have a distinctive high-pitched whistling call.

Osprey are easily spotted throughout the Space Coast. Look for their large, bulky nests perched high on channel markers, dead trees, and specially built nesting platforms along the waterways.

During a sailing trip, you might be lucky enough to witness an osprey hovering over the water before plunging down to snatch a fish. It is a thrilling display of nature in action.

How can I tell an osprey from a bald eagle?

Do osprey migrate?

How big is an osprey?

Why do they build their nests on channel markers?

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