I could possibly be wrong as Osprey generally fly over water and hover when they spot fish while Eagles often roost while scanning water but neither photograph gives enough detail to make positive identification. I do know that there is an Osprey in this broad general vicinity that hovers for awhile then roosts to rest up it seems - and digitally enlarging the photograph gives no more clue than here. Relative estimated size and the previous sightings of roosting Osprey give me the impetus to call this in favor of the Osprey - if I later get more information that contradicts this I will update this post to reflect that information.
Feeding Behavior - Flies slowly over water, pausing to hover when fish spotted below;
if fish is close enough to surface, the Osprey plunges feet-first,
grasping prey in its talons.
Eggs - 3, sometimes 2-4. Creamy white, blotched with brown. Incubation is
by both parents but mostly by female, about 38 days. Young: Female
remains with young most of time at first, sheltering them from sun and
rain; male brings fish, female feeds them to young. Age of young at
first flight averages about 51-54 days. 1 brood per year.
Young - Female remains with young most of time at first, sheltering them
from sun and rain; male brings fish, female feeds them to young. Age of
young at first flight averages about 51-54 days. 1 brood per year.
Diet - Almost entirely fish. Typically feeds on fish 4-12" long. Type of
fish involved varies with region; concentrates on species common in each
locale, such as flounder, smelt, mullet, bullhead, sucker, gizzard
shad. Aside from fish, rarely eats small mammals, birds, or reptiles,
perhaps mainly when fish are scarce.
Nesting - Courtship displays include pair circling high together; male may
fly high and then dive repeatedly in vicinity of nest site, often
carrying a fish or stick. Nest site is usually on top of large tree
(often with dead or broken top) not far from water. Also nests on
utility poles, duck blinds, other structures, including poles put up for
them. May nest on ground on small islands, or on cliffs or giant cactus
in western Mexico. Site typically very open to sky. Nest (built by both
sexes) is bulky pile of sticks, lined with smaller materials. Birds may
use same nest for years, adding material each year, so that nest
becomes huge.
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