Osprey in Florida’s Dora Canal Area

These Osprey were spotted just above the pontoon boat that I was a passenger in while sailing along the Dora Canal in Central Florida near Lake Eustis.  These birds of prey are also known as Seahawks or Sea Eagles.  They are common birds along rivers, fresh and salt marshes and along the sea coasts.  Inland they also frequently live around larger lakes.  They hunt for fish, ducks, coots, turtles, very small alligators and sometimes rodents and small birds.

I was quite amazed to see these two birds up close.  Each was on a stout branch of trees overhanging the water of the canal.  Both were eating some sort of meal – clearly one ate a fish.  I also saw a few other Ospreys circling above the Dead River.  I think that some of the Osprey on the Dead River were hoping for a fine meal (gasp!) of Wood Duck duckling.  I took these pictures while out boating on April 25, 2014.  Please click on the thumbnail image to see the larger photo.  Enjoy!