The Fish Hawk: Osprey

Rating:
Summary: Nice pictures but casual information
Review: There are a lot of great pictures and the writing about increase of ospreys and general life history is good. Sometimes the information is sparse, for example, he mentions osprey "Colonies", but they are not colonial like seabirds or wading birds. A distribution map of wintering range and breeding range would have helped. There are occasional anthropomorphisms, such as "ospreys are relatively taciturn as they go about the business of providing for their family". Under his chapter on "Osprey and you" it should have been mentioned that permits are usually needed to remove osprey nests, and also fishermen can assist by making sure tangled fishing lines are removed.

Rating:
Summary: A Guide to the World's Best Arial Fisherman
Review: Unlike the Bald Eagle and other hawks, there is not much available outside of Scientific papers on these unique birds. This book, published in 1997 fills a needed void, and covers the natural history of this breed. As is well known due to the effects of DDT (which has been banned for many years), this species in particular was scarce and endangered for a long time. The Osprey is now making a strong come-back and is showing an astonishing adaptability to co-exist with man. Here in Florida, I have seen them build nests on metal signs over the freeways near water, and showing every sign of thriving. Illustrating this text are lush color photographs of these birds - soaring, fishing, nest building, raising young, courtship, etc. In the text you will learn how the Osprey enjoys the highest success rate of all the fishing raptors, and their fishing technique is discussed at length from beginning to end. Migration, courtship, vocalization, rearing of young, it's all here. The effects of man and development are also examined, competition from other birds, etc. This is a great book on these fabulous fishermen, definitely, a must buy! When you look up in the sky and see the characteristic "M" shape of the soaring Osprey's wings you will have a richer understanding and new appreciation for these noble creatures.