Fauna Flora Photography

Osprey Pandion haliaetus

A common bird of prey, I have been able to spot in Montreal, Tadoussac and Newfoundland. At some distance and when not gliding, the bird may be overseen and only at a closer look reveal its id.

How to Identify

Once I figured out that this bird is a bird of prey due to the form of its beak, I identify this bird by its white body and legs and mostly white bottom of the wings. An additional hint is the pattern of black on head and neck. It consists of a black stripe starting on the side at its beak covering the eye and then leading into the neck which is mostly black.

Where and When to Spot

I saw Ospreys in spring and summer in Montreal (Rapids Park Lachine), in Tadoussac and in Newfoundland. Usually, the bird glides against the wind along the coast of the river or the sea looking out for prey. Being able to see the bird in Montreal or Tadoussac requires patience and luck, though.

Where and when a species has been observed, identified, and recorded.

Last updated on 2023-12-15. Written and regularly updated by Karl-Heinz Müller, Dipl. Natw. ETH, Biology. With 10 years of experience in wildlife photography, Karl-Heinz shares first-hand, on-site collected observations, photos and videos from his frequent visits to parks in the Montreal area.