Osprey
Pandion haliaetus · Also known as: fish hawk
Fish-eating raptor of bay platforms and channel markers. One of the easiest “wow” birds for Ocean City visitors.
Quick facts
| Group | Raptor |
|---|---|
| Likelihood nearby | ★★★★★ |
| Habitats | Coastal bays, Inlet, Salt marsh, Offshore / ocean, Assateague National Seashore, Assateague State Park |
| Seasons (this coast) | spring, summer, fall, breeding |
How to recognize them
- White underside, dark back, dark eye stripe through a white head; long crooked wings in flight.
- Often hovers over water before plunging feet-first for fish.
Biology notes
- Diet almost entirely fish; nests on platforms, channel markers, and tall structures near water.
- Migratory on this coast—most leave for wintering grounds farther south.
Where to see them around Ocean City
- Isle of Wight Bay, Sinepuxent Bay, and Assateague bayside—watch nesting platforms and daymarks.
- Ocean City Inlet and nearshore waters when fish are breaking.
- Assateague Island State Park and National Seashore marsh and bay edges.
When to look
- Common from roughly March–April arrival through fall migration; rare in mid-winter.
Viewing tips & etiquette
- Scan channel markers and dedicated osprey platforms with binoculars.
- Give active nests space—repeated flushing can stress chicks.
