228 HALIAETUS ALBICILLA. 



motion, or winding in curves with outspread wings. I have 

 often seen them far out at sea, hovering and saiHng in this 

 manner, and several persons have told me that they sometimes 

 clutch up fishes that happen to come to the surface. They 

 may also occasionally be observed watching on the banks of a 

 lake or river, and attacking the salmon or trouts when they 

 come into shallow water. That they fare well is evinced by 

 the abundance of provision which they bring to their young ; 

 but their courage and address do not seem to be equal to their 

 powers, for, unless pressed by famine, they scarcely venture to 

 molest an animal larger than a hare. When an otter has 

 caught a fish, and is eating it on some rock, an eagle has been 

 seen patiently waiting its departure, in order to obtain the 

 refuse. Grouse are sometimes destroyed by this species, and 

 instances have been known of its carrying off a domestic fowl 

 that has strangled to a distance from the house. But the Sea- 

 Eagle has more of the Vulture than of the Falcon in its cha- 

 racter, and at all times would be well content with mere 

 carrion. 



It is no easy matter to approach an Eagle so near as to 

 obtain a distinct view of it, and yet I once crept to within fif- 

 teen yards of one, and, after all, missed it. Once too, in the 

 mist, on the top of a high hill, another swept close over my 

 head. At a distance, and with the aid of a glass, one may 

 often in the Hebrides observe their attitudes, as they repose on 

 some pinnacle or shelf, basking in the sun, with partially ex- 

 panded wings and tail, somewhat in the manner of Cormorants. 

 On a level surface, such as an extensive sand, where I have 

 often seen them, they stand with the body inclined forwards, the 

 wings gathered up, and the head elevated. Owing to their great 

 weight, and the vast size of their wings, they rise from such 

 a place with difficulty, first throwing themselves forward, and 

 then spreading out and flapping their wings, so as to strike 

 their points on the ground. 



But the Sea-Eagle is now on wing, and as he gradually 

 mounts in wide curves, sailing at invervals, you cannot fail to 

 gaze on him with delight. With his feet concealed among the 

 feathers of the abdomen, his head drawn close to his shoulders. 



