THE OSPREY. 45 
nest in strange fashion. Little one raised head, moved 
about nest, and repeated mother’s note in miniature. 
Father very suspicious of tent and soon flew. 
g.20. Rushing sound over tent reveals male chasing 
his old rival—swooping down to earth from great height. 
9.30. Great commotion among Sparrows, as new pair 
trying to build are despoiled by others. 
9.45. Young bird again standing up. It is evident 
there is only one youngster. Uttering weak, squeaky 
note. Plainly uncomfortable in heat. 
10.0 Bird getting used to tent; seldom complains. 
To induce her to fly (for photographic purposes), I have 
to go out of blind and walk toward tree. 
10.25. Woman passing close at hand, with eyes on 
ground, picking wild-flowers, suddenly observes umbrella 
blind, with evidence of occupant. Beats hasty retreat 
in alarm ! 
10.50. Female Osprey lets one leg hang full length in 
front of branch, supporting herself on the other foot only. 
When male calls overhead, she looks up in very pretty 
manner, often answers, and with motion of her head, 
follows him in flight. 
11.0. Male pays nets a short visit. No fish. 
11.15. I find that when female Osprey is about to settle 
on nest after flight, she will, if I wave my arm, often alight 
on perch instead, which is more picturesque for photographs. 
When she is on nest, youngster will get close to her breast, 
and look up at her in loving fashion. Mother has no 
favourite place on nest where she prefers to stand. At 
first 1t was on opposite side of nest from where I happened 
to be (whether under oak or in blind); but now she 
is becoming almost oblivious to my presence. Both parents 
approach the nest up-wind. 
11.45. Owner of house close by, who has been watching 
me from his porch, comes over to make inquiries, thinking 
aeronaut, with balloon, has come to grief! Says nest 
has been here at least twenty-six years; been blown down 
