Osprey

Pandion haliaetus Mar–Nov

Commonly known as the fish hawk, the Osprey hunts for both fresh and saltwater fish, often hovering over water as high as 150 feet. When it spots a fish, it dives feet first, gripping the slippery prey with the help of barbs that cover the soles of their feet. This bird can submerge its entire body as they are able to close their nostrils and have semi-transparent third eyelids which act like goggles. When passing by a lake or coastal area, you may hear a splash before you see them. With a dark mask around the eyes and dark patches on the wings when seen from below, it is easy to identify them even in flight. Ospreys are a common sight in Rhode Island during the warmer months, thanks to conservation efforts such as the erecting of nesting platforms and banning of DDT in 1972. During the winter, these birds migrate south to Central and South America.

A nesting platform located in Jacob's Point Preserve can be seen from the bike path. Ospreys mate for life and often come back to the same nest, adding new branches to the old structure. If you want an up close look, visit the Osprey Live Cam located in Marsh Meadows Wildlife Preserve in Jamestown, Rhode Island, managed by the Conanicut Island Raptor Project. The eggs are laid in late April or early May, with the hatchlings making an appearance about a month later.