Raptors

Raptors. . , During the past 30 years the Back River ecosystem has welcomed back two important species: Bald Eagles and Ospreys. Both of these birds were almost driven to extinction by loss of habitat and pesticides found in fish during the 1960’s., The most common raptor in the Chesapeake Bay region is the Osprey. Also called fish hawks, Ospreys are large winged birds whose sole diet is fish. They are well adapted for this purpose. The soles of their feet are equipped with sharp, spiny projectiles that give them a grip on their slippery prey. Ospreys are brown above and dark below, with a white head featuring a dark brown line through the eye on each side of the face., An even larger raptor, the Bald Eagle may also be seen. The mature Eagle has a distinctive white head and tail, while immature Eagles, less than four years of age, are solid black. These huge birds feed on fish, waterfowl and small mammals. Their massive nest can be found in the tops of trees. Several other raptors also inhabit the woodland and fields along this marsh including the Red-Tailed and Red-Shouldered Hawks and Sharp-Shinned Hawk, as well as Barred Owls and Peregrine Falcons. These birds also feed on other birds and small mammals.