Open Nests on the Ground 
The Marsh Harrier, or Blue Hawk as it is sometimes called, 
is easily recognisable by its white rump, which during flight is 
very conspicuous. They may be seen in almost any marshy or 
low scrub land, flying within a few feet of the ground or hover- 
ing in mid-air watching for their prey. During the mating sea- 
son the male bird performs the most remarkable evolutions in 
mid-air, with the evident intention of winning the admiration of 
his would-be mate. They ‘‘ frequently begin to incubate with 
the first egg and the young are hatched at intervals." The nest- 
ing season begins in Massachusetts early in May. Davie says 
that fresh eggs may be found from May Ist to June 15th or 2oth, 
according to locality. The nests are placed in open marshes or 
low lands. 
864. American Osprey or Fish Hawk: Pandion haliaétus 
carolinensis (Gmel.) 
Eggs very variable in colour. At times white or creamy 
white, either unmarked, oftener very heavily blotched with 
browns and chocolate. 
See Page 129, Chapter VIII. 
867. Short-eared Owl: Asio accipitrinus (Pall.) 
Adult—Upper parts except tail brownish, the feathers edged with 
buff ; the tail has bands of deep buff and dark brown ; breast 
light to dark buff with streaks of dark brown, heavily marked 
on breast and more finely on belly ; the ear-tufts are very 
short and close together. Length—15.50. 
Breeding Range—Throughout the United States. 
The nest is made of soft grass, sticks, and a few feathers 
from the parent bird, and is placed on the ground in a depres- 
sion, beneath a log or in a burrow (Davie). 4 to 7 white eggs 
are laid. Size—1.55 x 1.25. 
The Short-eared or Marsh Owl, unlike most other members 
of its family, lives away from the woods and may generally be 
found in large swamps or marshes. Formerly it was known to 
breed in Massachusetts, but Brewster says, ‘‘I know of no 
authentic record of its breeding in any part of New England 
38 
