Dire Osprey

The cries of the Dire Osprey are heard along ocean shores and freshwater lakes all across Brunivard, and the giants teach their children to pay attention to the tone of the cry. Should the bird call a warning, best pay attention and not get any closer to one of their enormous nests.   Dire Osprey are large birds (~7m wingspan in adults), highly adapted for hunting fish. Their vision cuts through the water and their feathers are dense and oily, which keeps them from getting swamped when they dive after their prey. Their talons are barbed to help hang on to their slippery prey. Dire Osprey develop a good sense for the size of prey animal they can carry, and will cruise over the water at a good height, searching for a meal of the right size. If fish are not available, dire osprey will hunt game or smaller birds.   Dire Osprey are considered to be one of the noblest creatures by the giants of Brunivard. A few giants practice the art of falconry, and a Dire Osprey is a most prestigious bird to practice with. For the giant tribes of Brunivard, the dire osprey represents skill in hunting and warfare, and many of the tribal flags incorporate osprey imagery.