<em>Birds Living II</em> by Richard Stade

Osprey – Emerging from water after an unsuccessful divePandion haliaetus December – Texas L=23” ...... WS=63” ...... WT=3.5 lb Order: Falconiformes (Diurnal birds of prey) Family: Accipitridae (Hawks and allies) Osprey, or as they are sometimes called “fish hawks”, are unique among North American raptors in that they eat live fish almost exclusively. To capture prey they dive into the water from a long glide or a hovering position. The dive ends with drama as both the head and feet of the Osprey enter the water. Since they can only penetrate the upper three feet of the water they must hunt for top feeding fish or in shallows.

Eastern Screech Owl – Sleeping and watchingMegascops asioJune – Texas L=8.5”...... WS=20” ...... WT=6 oz Order: Strigiformes (Owls) Family: Strigidae (Typical Owls) Eastern Screech Owls are small owls that roost and sleep during the day and are likely to rely on camouflage for defense during these times. While hard to find in daytime they will, if found, let humans come very close before fleeing. These birds “played possum” in the dense bushes and allowed the photographer to approach within 2 feet.