Osprey At Tommy Thompson Park In Toronto

One summer, Bob and I made numerous trips to Tommy Thompson Park, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. During one trip to the park, we were quite pleased to find an Osprey  perched on a tree stump in the middle of the first large pond in the wetlands.

Tommy Thompson Park is one of our favorite conservation areas in the Greater Toronto Area. In the vicinity of the wetlands, goldenrod, thistles and phragmites way taller than ourselves had us feeling like we were in some remote country locale. Only for a break in the overgrown plant life were we able to spot the Osprey in the middle of the pond.

Because Osprey have a diet that consists almost solely of fish, they are found near any body of water with a rich source of food. These birds tolerate a wide variety of habitats including salt marshes, estuaries, rivers, ponds and along the shores of large lakes.

This powerful raptor is large with a wingspan up to 180 centimetres (71 in.) and a body length up to 66 centimetres (26 in.) long. With its deep, glossy brown upperparts contrasted by the white or greyish breast and striking dark mask across the eyes, there is no mistaking an Osprey for other birds of prey.

We were fascinated to learn that Canada supports one-third of the world’s population of Osprey. Given their adaptability to many different habitats, Osprey are also called fish eagles, river hawks or fish hawks.

Bob and I crept closer to the edge of the pond. Even at such a great distance, the Osprey still took note of our rustlings in the reeds. Also considering their sharp eyesight that enables them to pick out a fish beneath the surface of the water from a lofty 10-40 metres (33-131 ft.), it had no trouble zeroing in on presents.

Given the timing of our sighting of this magnificent Osprey, it would likely soon be heading for South America for the winter.

Frame To Frame – Bob and Jean