Chapter twenty in “The Burgess Bird Book for Children” is certainly a chapter full of magnificent birds. Brilliant at what they do and spectacular to watch, Ospreys are amazing to see up close and personal and if you live near water you may see them often. Here is their signature whistle for you to identify them even at a distance.
This Osprey has something between his legs and feet, do you know what it is? Fish, that’s right! Ospreys have a very unique diet among other Raptors and are able to dive and catch fish. That is why they are often called Fish Hawks. (source)
Burgess captures Plunger patiently circling in order to catch his next meal:
A third time Plunger shot down and this time, as in his first attempt, he struck the water with a great splash and disappeared. In an instant he reappeared, shaking the water from him in a silver spray and flapping heavily. This time Peter could see a great shining fish in his claws. It was heavy, as Peter could tell by the way in which Plunger flew. He headed towards a tall tree on the other bank of the Big River, there to enjoy his breakfast.
Thornton W. Burgess, The Burgess Book for Children, Living Book Press, pp. 99-100
Let’s see what Peter saw:
This is really cool to see what is happening under water:
I could probably show you Osprey videos all day, because I am loving to watch them all day. But I will show you what we gleaned studying Plunger to wrap this up:
Truly magnificent birds… until next time, keep on birding! <3 Kate
For more: Burgess Birds in Detail
