Osprey with Shad – photo Matt Valencic
Osprey arrive near inland lakes in the second half of March. Communication towers have become their preferred nest sites, usually within a mile or two of a large lake or river. They are amazing to watch as they soar above the water looking for fish close to the surface. They plunge into the water, feet first, with just wing tips remaining above the water. They use their powerful wings to get their wet body and the captured fish airborne before shaking like a dog to remove some of the water that weighs them down.
