248 Life and Immortality. 



almost invisible, the Osprey swallows his victim if small, or 

 seeks to bear it away in his talons to a position of shelter 

 and safety, but, rather than endure the too near approach of 

 his more powerful relative, drops it to the infinite delight and 

 great satisfaction of the latter. Where a suitable tree, or a 

 commanding stump, presents itself by the side of his chosen 

 fishing-grounds, he may be seen perched thereon for hours 

 together, gazing into the liquid depths below for the finny 

 tribes that sport therein, and ever and anon swooping down 

 with amazing velocity and bearing up in his resistless talons 

 the squirming victim. In shallow places his mode of capture 

 is regulated in conformity with their character, gliding over 

 their surface and clutching at his victims as they come within 

 sight. 



The food of the Osprey consists mainly of fish, although 

 the reptiles and batrachians that inhabit the swamps and 

 marshes wherein he builds do not escape his vigilance. 

 Almost all kinds of fish, except the very largest, which 

 would be more than a match for his strength, are captured 

 and devoured with avidity. We have watched with a great 

 deal of interest and pleasure his piscatorial pursuits on the 

 shores of Delaware Bay, and have often seen him bear 

 from great depths fish much larger than the common shad. 

 The latter, together with the herring, striped bass and black 

 bass, are favorite articles of diet, while his catchings from 

 fresh-water streams, the larger cyprinidonts, cat-fish and 

 pumpkin -seed, are quite as great luxuries. 



When the nesting-time comes around, the last of April or 

 the beginning of May, these birds are not so engrossed with 

 the thoughts of feeding as to be utterly oblivious of the 

 duties which it imposes. Generally the same nest is selected 

 year after year, but when a new one is to be constructed it is 

 not uncommon to find many pairs engaged in its building, 

 the friends of the destitute assembling and laboring with the 

 most determined energy till its completion. A more soci- 

 able disposition could hardly be conceived. The spirit which- 



