Osprey Fishing

Osprey with Rainbow Trout - Photo by Larry Halverson

This picture was taken one evening while fly fishing. The Osprey dove, caught the fish then flew by the canoe as if to show how easy it is to catch fish.

Osprey talons are specially adapted to allow one of the front toes to rotate backwards so that there are two talons pointing forward and two in reverse on each foot. This helps secure a good grip on the flopping fish. The Osprey is also very quick at adjusting it’s grip on the fish so that the fish's head is facing forward to maintain an aerodynamic profile. 

Wood Duck

The Wood Duck is one of the most colourful waterfowl - Photograph by Pat Morrow May 11, 2011

Pat Morrow didn’t have to go far to see this pair of Wood Ducks on an Osprey platform.  In fact he photographed them through a spotting scope from his home in Wilmer.

Most Wood Ducks are already paired when they arrive in the Columbia Valley as early as April 1st. Their strong claws and grip make them one of the few ducks that can perch on branches. They often nest in large poplar trees using old Pileated Woodpecker holes. 

Osprey are Back

Osprey are circumpolar in distribution however the Columbia Valley is a major population centre for Osprey     Photo by Larry Halverson

Ellen Zimmerman reported the return of the first Osprey - April 6th on a nest just south of Golden along the highway. Osprey in the Columbia Valley can travel over 6,000 km on their return flight from their wintering grounds. 

Telemetry studies using satellite transmitters tracked Osprey from southern BC to their wintering sites in  Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama and Venezuela.

Satellite telemetry of ospreys tagged in BC showing migration routes to wintering sites on the Pacific Coast of Mexico and in Central and South America.