The Osprey is a medium-sized fish-eating raptor found in many coastal and lake areas of the world. In Australia Ospreys are found right around the Australian coast line, except for Victoria and Tasmania.

 

The Osprey feeds mainly on medium-sized fish, which it does not swallow whole, but rips apart to eat while perched.

 

To take a fish, the Osprey plunges into water with the feet forward, submerging in a plume of spray with the wings raised. They have gripping pads on their feet to help them pluck fish from the water with their curved claws and carry them for great distances. In flight, ospreys will orient the fish headfirst to ease wind resistance.

 

The Osprey here is lifting off from the surface of the Peel-Harvey Estuary, Western Australia.