Jake Rotunda, Hardyston Elementary School
Sussex County
Osprey. Sussex County. Jake Rotunda
Osprey
Hello! I'm an osprey, sometimes know as the sea hawk or fish eagle. I am a large raptor reaching 60 centimeters in length with a two meter wingspan. I belong to the species P. haliactus. We have a dark brown back and a white belly as well as a white head. Our talons are rounded rather than grooved. We osprey and owls are the only raptors whose outer toe is reversible allowing us to grasp out prey with two toes in the front and two in the back.
We may eat rodents, rabbits, hares, amphibians, other birds, and small reptiles. Most of our diet is made up of 99% fish. We have a vision that is well adapted to detecting under water objects from the air. Our prey is first sighted when we are about 10-40 meters above water.
We osprey, breed near freshwater lakes and also on coastal brackish waters. We begin to breed at the age of three to four years, but not all of the osprey at that age. Some breed at five or seven years old. Some of us are forced to delay our breeding.
We nest near any location of water so we have a large amount of food. We are found on every continent except Antarctica
We are in danger because of DDT and other chemicals, which get into my food supply. This eventually weakens the shells of my eggs making it hard for my babies to survive. To help me and my fellow osprey to flourish, please always be thoughtful of what you pour into the water or what chemicals you use outside. I love the state of New Jersey and I enjoy flying over its beautiful lakes, rivers, and coastline. Please help us survive and be part of your wildlife community.
Jake Rotunda
Hardyston Elementary School
Franklin, NJ
Mrs. Repp