A David Mead original from Raptors of the World, published by Christopher Helm as a Handbook (2001) and a Field Guide (2005).

Plate 6 in Handbook (Field Guide plates 10 and 11).

Osprey Pandion haliaetus
Almost cosmopolitan (including Britain, North America and Australia)

Western Honey-buzzard Pernis apivorus
Europe (including Britain) W Asia, Africa

ABOUT THE BIRDS The Osprey is a specialist fish-eater. The soles of its powerful feet are covered with small spines (spicules) which help it to catch and carry its slippery prey. Once persecuted to extinction in Britain, it is now breeding there in increasing numbers. Migrating ospreys can occur almost anywhere in the world.

Dense, scale-like facial feathers protect the Western Honey-buzzard from stings when it raids the nests of wasps and bees to eat their combs and larvae. A migratory species, it is also the most variable of all raptors in the colour and pattern of its plumage.

Medium Gouache on tinted acrylic gesso
Image size 8in x 12in (20cm x 30cm)