The osprey (Pandion haliaetus), also known as the sea hawk, river hawk or fish hawk, is a large fish-eating bird of prey, reaching more than 60 cm in length with a wingspan of 180 cm. They are migratory and can travel up to 5,000km (400km in a single day!) They leave in the autumn for West Africa and return to the UK to breed from late March. Exactly how they navigate, and especially how young birds manage to make the journey on their own is still a mystery. Ospreys fish over large water bodies and whilst hovering at around 90m they use their sharp eyesight to spot a fish. The most common method of fishing is the steep dive; once the osprey spies its target it dives, pulling its feet forward at the last second and plunging into the water. The bird hits the water with a splash, in some cases going completely under, submersing itself in the water to catch the fish. For a while it looks like it is stuck, but then gracefully lifts off to return to the nest. This spectacular bird of prey is an Amber List species because of its historical decline (due to illegal killing) and low breeding numbers. They are listed as a Schedule 1 species on The Wildlife and Countryside Act.
