The osprey is a large, fish-eating bird of prey that is found just about everywhere worldwide. It is not a sea-eagle, but a type of hawk. They are a highly specialised fish catcher, with closeable nostrils, a reversible toe, and spicules under the foot to maximise grip. The osprey occupies freshwater and marine habitats where there is adequate food in nearby fishing grounds. Some species feed on flamingoes, but most feed on fish. Ospreys nest in trees, on cliffs and occasionally on the ground. They can also nest in colonies, but food has to be especially rich for this to occur. Their nests are built of sticks and grasses, and have a clear view of fishing grounds. These nests can become massive and have been used as navigational guides for fishing boats in the past. Ospreys have also used artificial towers as nesting sites. Brief mythological associations: The osprey's scientific name Pandion, is linked with a king of Athens in Greek mythology. It is thought however that the name is poorly attributed, and that osprey is better associated with Tereus, the man who was transformed into a raptor. There are other Greek associations with the osprey in myth, which will be yielded with further research. In Bolivia, hunters there believe that if they implant osprey bones under their skin, they will become successful, efficient hunters like the osprey itself. - An osprey doesn't wait for the fish to jump out of the water to meet him, instead he splashes in headfirst into an element that he could not survive within. He even places his head under the water - unlike sea-eagles. He teaches us how to plunder our resources and the necessity to move outside of our comfort zones in order to do this. Osprey teaches us to take risks, and to not be frightened of grasping opportunities just because they seem like they're out of our reach.