Wesley's Idaho Birds
Osprey

As we were crossing the Boise River just north of us we saw this Osprey land on top of a pole with his fish. We pulled to the side and took a few pictures while we watched him eat. One of the largest birds of prey in North America, the Osprey eats almost exclusively fish. It is one of the most widespread birds in the world, found on all continents except Antarctica. Barbed pads on the soles of its feet help it grip slippery fish. When an Osprey takes a large fish to its nest, it carries the fish headfirst to make it as aerodynamic as possible. Osprey numbers declined drastically in 1950-1970s, from pesticide poisoning and eggshell thinning. After the ban on DDT, populations increased rapidly. Still listed as endangered or threatened in some states, especially in inland states where populations were small or extirpated after the pesticide years. Size: 21-23 inches; Wingspan: 59-71 inches
Osprey Movie
This is a poor and very shaky movie but thought I would upload it anyway. I took it with my digital camera, zoomed in all the way, and it was pretty windy.