Ospreys are hawks that are specially adapted to catch fish. They are strong fliers and, as a result of their use of freshwater and marine habitats, have managed to span the world. They are found on every continent except Antarctica. Their diet of mostly fish resulted in a significant decline of Ospreys during the 1960s and early 70s as a result of accumulation of persistent pesticides in their brain and fatty tissues. With the banning of these pesticides in the 1970s, development of artificial nesting sites, and reintroduction of Ospreys to areas where they had disappeared, Ospreys have once again become birds we enjoy watching near our lakes, rivers, and coastal shorelines.
Osprey
