A close relative of the Seahawk

The Osprey, otherwise known as the Fish Hawk but NOT the Seahawk, is an unusual species of bird because it has no clearly discernible subspecies and is found worldwide as a single species.   Anywhere, anytime, one can see a magnificent Osprey, just like this one who happened to perched on a telephone pole close to our home in Clearwater, Florida:

While the Osprey can be found nesting on many a coastline and making a dramatic show of fishing for dinner, it is distinctly missing from the Alaskan and western Canadian coastlines.   This absence can be directly blamed on the larger eagles who make a home along colder coastlines.   Bigger and with a distinct dislike for its Osprey competition, the eagle badgers all Osprey to consider moving south.  In the interests of preservation of the species, the Osprey comply.  

Almost everywhere else, however, the two bird species are of similar size and have learned to co-exist. While no love is lost between them, no lives are lost either and these two stunning raptors can often be found near to each other in adjacent territories along warmer coastlines.

Unlike many fish-eating birds, the Osprey can completely submerge itself in water to catch its fishy prey, activating a third eyelid in the process that acts as a natural goggle and  enables the bird to see underwater.  Underneath the ocean surface, stalking its prey with a clear vision, the Osprey has great success, fabulously better than most batting averages of mere humans.   Once an unfortunate fish is secured in its formidable talons, this beautiful raptor re-emerges from the water and promptly, re-orients the fish, head forward in order to maximize aerodynamic efficiency in flight.

After delivering the fish to the nest, the Osprey moves quickly on -- fly, fly, flying away to its next wet, wavy destination and the next unfortunate fish in its keen sight: