The Eastern
Osprey (Pandion cristatus) is
widespread and common around much of the northern Australian coast. They are
usually solitary and can be found along the coast and on inshore lakes and
estuaries and occasionally on inland rivers and lakes.
Screen shot from Birdata showing distribution of the Eastern Osprey in Australia. |
On a recent birding outing to Toorloo Arm on Lake Tyers with BirdLife East Gippsland, an Eastern Osprey was sighted by one of our members as it emerged from the water with a good sized Poddy Mullet. The bird flew with its catch to a dead tree above the water where it presented members with great photo opportunities.
While
Ospreys are very common and abundant in more northern latitudes, here in
Victoria they are only occasional visitors, and are often juveniles. So when
they are found in Victoria it is usually cause for some excitement. The report
of this bird on 16/4/18 to “Eremaea Birdline’s Interesting and unusual bird
observations” gained a blue star highlight.
Here is a
selection of photos of the Toorloo Arm bird.
Click on photos to enlarge.
The Poddy Mullet is a good-sized meal. |
Forward
facing eyes, huge talons and pursuit of fish by plunging into the water make
the Osprey a formidable specialist fish raptor.
The bird moved about with its catch on the dead limb. No doubt the presence of observers and photographers on the opposite side of the narrow arm made it hard for the bird to settle down to a meal. |
The
bird is a juvenile – note in this and other photos the heavy rusty breast band
which extends up the side of its neck and around the nape.
The bird’s wings were often outstretched for balance as it moved about with the fish clenched tightly in its left foot. |
The open wings viewed from below show the underwing feather pattern clearly. |
The solid legs and feet plus the long talons are obvious in this photo. |
The attention this celebrity bird was drawing from the BirdLife group was wearing thin and here the bird is about to depart for a quieter location to enjoy its fish. |
You might
like to see an earlier Osprey post here:
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