The North American Fish Eagle

Okay, this raptor is more commonly known as an Osprey but some refer to it as a Fish Eagle or Sea Hawk.  They are a relatively large bird of prey but only a fraction of the size of an eagle.  I mention this because we've heard many times when someone had claimed they were looking at an eagle when in reality it was an Osprey.  These birds of prey are predominantly fish eaters and can spot their next meal from 125 feet in the air.  When they spot the fish they hover for a moment then dive feet first into the water and grab supper.  The Osprey and Owls share a common trait in that their outer toes are reversible and that makes it possible to clutch a slippery fish with two toes around the front and two toes around the back of their prey.  All toes are the same length.  I suppose that also helps them to hold a hammer when they build those awesome square nesting platforms that they always seem to have.  On a more serious note, they do make a call that is similar to a eagle.  Cool birds for sure!