Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) - 02Aug2014 & 06Jan2017

If Osprey were not so common, it would be one of the most popular must-see birds.  Ospreys not only look badass, they are badass... The success rate of their fantastic dives is estimated to be 70%!!!!  I have seen an Osprey dive over the ocean at Topsail Beach and catch 2 nice sized bluefish in one attempt, one in each talon!  The below Osprey was on a nest right next to the Ferry at Currituck.   These photos are with my old camera but its hard to mess up with a bird when it's so close.

Here is the Caribbean race of Osprey which is very pale. Photo taken in Cuba.