With so much water in and around Central Florida, Ospreys are a ubiquitous part of our environment. You can spot a large Osprey nest out in the wild as easily as spotting or on top of road sign while driving down Interstate 4.
They are unique among raptors in that they only eat live fish and have the ability to dive into lakes, ponds and the ocean to catch their meals, according to AllAboutBirds.org. If you drive on the Max Brewer Memorial Parkway to Playalinda Beach on Merritt Island in the morning, you’ll probably spot an Osprey on almost every utility pole feasting on its freshly-caught breakfast.
They’re fun to photograph, too. Here are some of my favorite photos I have taken of Osprey in Central Florida.
Osprey, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, December 2023.Osprey, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, January 2024.Osprey, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, January 2024.Osprey, Orlando Wetlands, February 2024.Osprey, Black Point Wildlife Drive on Merritt Island, December 2023.Osprey and its catch, Black Point Wildlife Drive on Merritt Island, December 2023.Osprey and its catch, Black Point Wildlife Drive on Merritt Island, December 2023.The Osprey is saying “ahhh” rather loudly at the Black Point Wildlife Drive on Merritt Island in October 2023.Osprey, Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, May 2023.Osprey, Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, May 2003.An Osprey keeps an eye out for any trouble (or possible food) at Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive in early May 2023.Osprey, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, December 2023. Look at the talons on this bird.An Osprey snatches a snack from the Indian River at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in August 2023.An Osprey flies over the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.Osprey, Fort DeSoto Park in St. Petersburg, May 2023.
