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Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival

Osprey

Photo by: Ruth Ann Angus Category:  Hawks-Eagles-Falcons-Vultures

Photographer:  Ruth Ann Angus

Photographer's Website:  website

Key Identifying Points:  Hooked bill; black around eye

Comments:  Uncommon

Called the "fish hawk", it is common in some coastal waters.  Seen in Morro Bay in winter. Perches high on poles and boat masts. Soars high above water and hovers and then plunges, head and feet first, to grab fish. Makes bulky stick nests on large poles or bare trees.