If you're a birder, you'll know what a life list is. It's basically a list of all the bird species one has observed and positively ID'd in one's lifetime. This blog is a record of my "critter" life list (mostly of birds), including photos I've taken over the years, some of the actual lifer if I was lucky enough to get the shot. Don't expect National Geographic quality stuff here, just the work of an amateur photog who loves to trudge out into nature.

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)


1/14/05 Bay birding cruise at Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo County, CA

11/3/02 San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary, Irvine, Orange County, CA
12/11/10 Lake Elsinore, Riverside County, CA
12/5/10 Perched on one of our neighbor's corral lights. La Cresta, Murrieta, Riverside County, CA

LIFE LIST NOTES:

COMMON NAME: Osprey

SPECIES: Pandion haliaetus

LIFE LIST DATE: 7/5/2002

LOCATION: 1 observed on a nest constructed over a tufa island, Mono Lake South Tufa State Reserve, Mono County, CA

From Stokes Field Guide to Birds-Western Region & Kaufman Focus Guide-Birds of North America:

HABITAT/BEHAVIOR: The 'fish hawk' common in some coastal areas, mostly uncommon inland. Soars high above water or hovers and then plunges, feet first, to grab a fish in its talons. Bulky stick nest usually built atop a bare tree or pole. The Osprey was seriously endangered in the 1970s by the effects of DDT and other pesticides; has recovered since DDT use was outlawed. 

IDENTIFYING MARKS: 24"; in flight: in all plumages, dark above, white below; white head; prominent black streak through eye. When soaring and gliding, forms a wide shallow M, with wings bowed (wrists up and forward and wing tips pointed down). Females generally more streaked on breast than males. Perched: dark back and tail; white head; dark streak through eye.

VOICE: A down-slurred chirp given in mild alarm; an ascending squeal given during sky-dance display. 
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