Beast

Sources : Osprey

Isidore of Seville [7th century CE] (Etymologies, Book 12, 7:59): The osprey [ossifragus] is the common name for a bird that casts bones down from the heights and breaks them. Hence it takes its name from ‘breaking bones’ [ossa frangere]. - [Barney, Lewis, et. al. translation]

Gerald of Wales [c. 1146 – c. 1223] (Topographia Hibernica, Distinction 1, 12): There are also many birds here of a twofold nature, which are called ospreys, in size less than eagles, and larger than hawks. By an extraordinary contrivance of sportive nature, one of their feet spreads open, armed with talons and adapted for taking their prey; the other is closed, harmless, and only fit for swimming. It is wonderful how these birds - and I have often witnessed it myself - hover in the air over the waves supported by their wings, remaining still, that they may command a better view of the depths below; and when, with a penetrating glance, they discover through the great space of turbulent air and water small fishes lurking in the sand beneath the waves, they pounce upon them from on high with headlong speed, and diving and coming to the surface, use their web-foot in swimming, while with the other armed with talons they seize and carry off their prey. - [Forester translation, 1863, chapter 12]

Alexander Neckam [1157-1217 CE] (De naturis rerum, Book 1.58): The osprey [aurifrisius], following the cold breeze, is like a robber with one foot, and pretends with the other to be a gentle bird. For he has one foot armed with claws, while the other is capable of swimming. These birds, then, are the work of nature, which is either playful, or prodigious, or provident. For he makes use of many turns in the air, now in the manner of playing, now in the manner of lying in wait, until, seeing his prey in the water, he descends rapidly, seizing the prey with his clawed foot, and assisting its partner with the other's swimming art. Just as the body is supported by the foot, so the mind is supported by purpose. Hence and by the foot the purpose of the mind is designated. Aurifrisius [aurum = gold] therefore signifies the powerful goldsmiths, who have one purpose, to rob the poor of their goods, but their intention is also to cover up their fraud with a flattering face. See, therefore, with the eyes of the mind, a powerful goldsmith, as if to put forward a foot suitable for swimming, but also capable of hiding the prey with the other, and you will see the two feet of the osprey. - [Wright/Badke]