RANGE | Osprey are found around the world, except near either North or South poles, and are a type of migratory hawk that fish instead of hunt. In the Americas, most Ospreys that breed in North America migrate to Central and South America for the winter, with migration routes following broad swaths of the eastern, interior, and western U.S. A few Ospreys overwinter in the southernmost United States, including parts of Florida and California.

FUN FACTS | These migratory birds fish instead of hunt and can actually submerge in the water as they grab a fish, using their wide and powerful wings to bring them back up and out of the water. While under the water, they are able to close their nare (nostrils) and use their nictitating membranes to cover their eyes like goggles.Their feet are covered with rough, pointy scales that help them to hold onto fish and they can actually adjust their outer talon to various positions so they can re-position the fish to face forward, making it more streamlined as they fly carrying the fish. Since they depend on water for their food, they act as indicator species of a body of water and the planet, as a whole. Osprey are especially sensitive to pollutants—pesticides, plastics, etc—that accumulate in fish as they move up the trophic levels of the foodweb.

Calypso fell from his nest, permanently damaging his wing. Unable to fly, he could never be released. After he recovered, the wildlife center tried to find him a home but were unsuccessful and growing concerned. Luckily, they reached out to their local Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) agent who recommended that they call us. Over the years, we have taken in animals that other facilities would not consider, including this adorable goofball! Calypso talks and talks, moves toys around his enclosures and loves to shred anything cardboard. Everything will, inevitably, end up in his water.

SPECIAL CARE NEEDS | His wing was so badly damaged that we had to signicantly modify his enclosure, creating a series of steps with his perches. He can fly from perch to perch but sometimes he seems to prefer jumping up and down, perch to perch.

Everything ends up in his pool so needs to durable and waterproof. Heavy duty dog toys—especially the ones made for playing in the water—are ideal for this handsome bird who loves to grab his toys and drag them into his pool. He really likes the nylon rope balls and toys that will float. That being said, Calypso truly loves to shred anything cardboard. He pretty much creates confetti and is always so proud of his efforts!