Return of the Fisher King

After a two-century absence, a majestic bird of prey returns to roost

The osprey, also known as the sea hawk, is a diurnal bird of prey that feeds almost exclusively on fish. It is unusual for a few reasons. Its toes are the same length. Its talons are rounded, not grooved. And as a single species, it occurs almost worldwide. But not in Northumberland for the last 200 years -- until now.

According to Wildlife Extra, ospreys thought to be part of an expanding Scottish population have just bred in England's northernmost county.

"Historically, ospreys probably lived in Northumberland, hunting on the once extensive network of marshes," the report states. "Accounts written in the 1700s refer to the presence of 'fish eating hawks' locally. However, there are no records of the bird breeding in the county for well over two centuries."

"A long-term project to encourage the iconic species to return to the region has struck gold with a pair of birds nesting on a platform specially erected for the purpose in the 62,000-hectare Kielder Water & Forest Park," says Wildlife Extra. "The development is being hailed as a major breakthrough."

In medieval times, ospreys were believed to possess such a spellbinding power over their prey that mesmerized fish gave themselves willingly, belly up.

In William Shakespeare's tragedy Coriolanus, the general of the Volscian army Tullus Aufidius says of his mortal enemy -- the titular Roman leader Gaius Martius Coriolanus -- "I think he'll be to Rome as is the osprey to the fish," speaking to his power over the capital city.

Hopefully the chicks will feel right at home. After all, Northumberland was once part of the Roman Empire.

GET INVOLVED

• Visit Kielder Water and Forest Park
• Sign a petition urging the British government to stop the stealing of yellow-breasted osprey eggs to be sold as a delicacy in France
• Sign a petition showing your support of the Osprey Revitalization Plan in Florida
• Join the Great Backyard Bird Count, a 4-day "citizen-science" project taking place across the United States starting on February 12, 2010
  

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• Asian Vulture on the Edge of Extinction (September 12, 2008)

image: Mike Baird