Osprey Backpack

The osprey is an impressive member of the hawk family, with a distinctive black and white striped head and wingspan of over 6 feet. It can often be seen perched high above a body of water such as a lake or river, scoping out live fish below the surface. Interestingly, unlike other birds, its feathers are specially adapted to act like raincoat material, trapping air between its layers to ensure it remain waterproof. Ospreys have an incredibly strong grip due to possessing four long toes and sharp curving talons they use to catch fish which they then swallow headfirst! For mating season this predator returns back to the same nesting area year after year. However, their population numbers have declined since 1950 due to environmental threats including pesticide contamination of food supplies and competition from humans for the same resources. Fortunately many conservation programmes have been put in place to protect ospreys around the world so hopefully their majestic presence will be enj