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The Western Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) is also known as a sea hawk, river hawk, and fish hawk. It is a large diurnal fish-eating raptor, reaching more than 60 cm (24 in) in length and 180 cm (71 in) across the wings. It has an average lifespan of 30 years.
Their specially adapted powerful claws enable them to grip slippery prey when diving from a height of 30-100 feet. Ospreys have also been known to prey upon gulls, crustaceans and small terrestrial mammals.
Ospreys are found in coastal Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia. Although in some areas the osprey numbers are on the increase, they are becoming rarer around New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and New South Wales.
I was particularly taken by this osprey's powerful claws. It is such a majestic and elegant bird spotted along the West Australian coastline.
