The Osprey. 



191 



excursion loaded with a large fish, and compels him to 

 drop his prey ; the Eagle then descends with wonderful 

 rapidity, and generally succeeds in seizing the fish 

 before it reaches the water. 



THE OSPBEY, OK FISHING HAWK. 



(Pandion lialiaetus.) 



" True to the season, o'er our sea-beat shore 

 The sailing Osprey high is seen to soar 

 With broad unmoving wing ; and circling slow, 

 Marks each loose straggler in the deep below ; 

 Sweeps down like lightning, plunges with a roar, 

 And bears its struggling victim to the shore." 



THIS bird is always found on the sea-shore, or near 

 rivers or lakes, as it feeds entirely on fish. It is com- 

 mon in Great Britain, and also in America, where large 

 colonies of it are found, the birds living together like 

 rooks. " When looking out for its prey," says Dr. 

 Richardson, " it sails with great ease and elegance, in 

 undulating and curved lines, at a considerable height 

 above the water, till it perceives its prey, when it 

 pounces down upon it. It seizes the fish with its claws, 

 sometimes scarcely appearing to dip its feet in the 



