Infographic: The amazing osprey

August 5, 2025 | Julie Wasson | environment, Fort Calhoun Station, ospreys

The osprey family at Fort Calhoun Station continues to draw observers from around the world on their YouTube livestream. Until recently, the parents were the only known nesting pair in eastern Nebraska. But this year, a new osprey family has taken up residence at North Omaha Station. The parents there appear to be raising at least one chick of their own.

Ospreys typically begin their journey south for the winter in September. That means you have plenty of time to watch this year’s chicks at Fort Calhoun Station come and go, now that they have all fledged.

In the infographic below, learn more about these majestic raptors.

Ospreys are unique in the animal kingdom in that they are a single species spread worldwide. The have four toes -- two in the front and two in the back -- that allow them to grasp fish from the water. Their nostrils shut when they plunge feet first into water while hunting. Ospreys tend to mate for life.

About Julie Wasson

Julie Wasson is the brand journalism strategist at Omaha Public Power District and the editor of The Wire. She has more than 25 years of print journalism and social media experience, including two stints at the Omaha World-Herald.

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