The Osprey is a bird of prey found on every continent in the world except Antarctica. The Gambia sees many Ospreys arrive each year, usually in early January and they stay until early summer.
Bird information.
Where can we see the Osprey?
It is found a short walk from Footsteps at the Gunjur quarry. This is an area that has been excavated over the past seven years for sand. The excavation was done with no concern for the environment and no concern for the local people, however, nature is a wonderful thing and now it has been filled with rainwater it has become home to numerous new species including our Osprey.
What does it look like?
It is a large raptor reaching more than 60 cm (24 in) in length and 180 cm (71 in) across the wings. It is brown on the upper parts and predominantly greyish on the head and underparts. Source Wikipedia.
What does it feed on?
Ospreys feed on fish and are skilled hunters.
Want to know an interesting Factoid?
The Osprey is one of the most widely distributed birds of prey in the world, second only to the Peregrine Falcon.
How does it sound?
Its call is a succession of sharp whistles which sound like ‘cheep cheep’
If want to know more about these magnificent birds of prey you might want to consider joining this great Facebook page. 😉