FISH-HAWK OR OSPREY. 83 



feet in length ; these are piled to the height of 4 or 5 

 feet, and from 2 to 3 feet in breadth, the whole inter- 

 mixed with corn-stalks, sea-weeds, and mullein-stems, 

 filled in with large quantities of turf, and lined with the 

 dry sea-grass (or Zostera marina) ; the materials so 

 well matted together as often to adhere in large pieces 

 after being blown down by the wind, and forming a mass 

 observable at the distance of half a mile, and sufficient 

 to form a cart-load for a horse.* As with the Rooks, 

 they repair their nests in the autumn, previous to their 

 southern emigration. 



Early in May the Osprey commences laying, and has 

 from 2 to 4 eggs. They are a little larger than those of 

 the common fowl, and are from a reddish or yellowish 

 cream color to nearly white, marked with large blotches 

 and points of reddish brown. During the period of incu- 

 bation the male frequently supplies his mate with food, 

 and she leaves her eggs for very short intervals. 



The young appear about the last of June, and are 

 most assiduously attended and supplied. On the ap- 

 proach of any person towards the nest, the parent utters 

 a peculiar plaintive, whistling note, which increases as it 

 takes to wing, sailing round, and at times making a 

 quick descent, as if aiming at the intruder, but sweeping 

 past at a short distance. On the nest being invaded, 

 either while containing eggs or young, the male displays 

 great courage, and makes a violent and dangerous oppo- 

 sition. The young remain a long time in the nest, so 

 that the old are sometimes obliged to thrust them out, 

 and encourage them to fly ; but they still, for a period, 

 continue to feed them in the air by supplying them with 

 fish from their talons. 



* According to CEdman, the Osprey, in Sweden, makes its nest in the highest trees, 

 chiefly of Pine tops, and lines it Tvith the leaves of the Polypody (Poylpodium vulgare), 

 a structure, as to materials, extremely different from that of our bird. 



