Eastern Osprey — David Taylor - Master Jeweller

I often go to Ellis Beach to photograph sunsets and there is an Eastern Osprey that calls it home. This is the closest I have ever got to the bird. They are usually a solitary bird and uncommon. Their diet is fish and they love mullet.

The male and female look similar with the female larger and more heavily streaked. Immature birds are darker overall with darker eyes and heavier streaking again.

The first time I spotted the bird was in February 2020 sitting proudly at the top of tree looking over the beach. They love coastal shores, mangrove estuaries, major inland rivers, pools and offshore islands. A lot of those can be found near Ellis Beach.

Usually once the bird has spotted me it takes to flight as it did the first time I spotted it. They breed from April to September and their nest is is large and bulky, usually about 30 metres up a tree or on a cliff face. They lay 2 to 3 eggs.

These birds are usually seen patrolling over water. They soar head first before plunging down onto prey feet first using their specialised talons.