40 



THE OSPEEY. 



THE OSPREY OR FISHHAWK; ITS CHARACTERISTICS AND HABITS.— II. 



By Theodore Oii.i., Washington, 1>. C. 



Continued from Vol. V, p. js. 



THE NKST AND EGGS OF THE AMERICAN OSPREY FOUND AT PENOBSCOT HAY, MAINE. 



(Photographed by Ora VY. Knight ) 



"If the wind blow hard, and his nest lie in the 

 quarter from whence it comes, it is amusing to 

 observe with what judgment and exertion he 

 beats to windward, not in a direct line, that is, 

 in tlie wind's eye, but making several successive 

 atcks to gain his purpose. This will appear the 

 more striking, when we consider the size of the 

 fish which he sometimes bears". 



Audubon thought that "the motions of the 

 Fishhawk in the air are graceful, and as majes- 

 tic as those of the Eagle. It rises with ease to 

 a great height by extensive circling, performed 



apparently by mere inclinations of the wings 

 and tail. It dives at times to some distance 

 with the wings partially closed, and resumes its 

 sailings, as if these plungings were made for 

 amusement only. Its wings are extended at 

 right angles t«> the body, and when thus flying, 

 it is easily distinguishable from all other Hawks 

 by the eye of an observer accustomed to note 

 the flight of birds. Whilst in search of food, it 

 flies with easj' flappings at a moderate height 

 above the water, and with an apparent listless- 

 ness, although in reality it is keenly observing 



