270 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



as the 1 5th of October, when the weather is remarkably 

 fine. In the swamps of New Jersey, we have often dis- 

 covered well-established communities, among which the 

 best order and most perfect harmony prevailed. But, on tin- 

 banks of the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers, solitary pairs, 

 and sometimes isolated individuals, have often been met with. 

 Its abundance certainly depends upon the great or small 

 supplies of food-stuffs which are to be found in certain lo- 

 calities. Few species display less shyness and greater con- 

 fidence, or, are more eminently social. In some instances, 

 they take up their quarters in close proximity to occupied 

 dwellings, or along frequented by-paths and highways. The 

 same localities are visited year after year. Owing to their al- 

 most exclusive piscine habits, mankind allows them free and 

 unlimited sway, in their carefully chosen abodes. The poul- 

 try has nothing to fear, hence the liberties which are ac- 

 corded to them, and the indifference which their presence 

 manifests. Powerfully constructed, they could commit im- 

 mense ravages, if they were so inclined. The smaller birds 

 are not intimidated by their presence, and do not fly scream- 

 ing to their coverts, as they do, even when pursued by the 

 little Falco sparverins. Wilson cites a case where four nests 

 of the common Purple Grakle were built within the inter- 

 stices of an Osprey's nest, and a fifth, on an adjoining branch, 

 and the latter was quite tolerant of such intrusion and free- 

 dom. We have met with a single instance where a nest of 

 ^uiscalus versicolor, occupied a similar position. In the 

 immediate vicinity, were observed nests of the Robin, Wood 

 Thrush, Red-winged Blackbird, and others, and no annoy- 

 ance was known to occur, the Ospreys carefully attending 

 to their own business, and scarcely noticing their more 

 humble brethren. 



The White-headed Eagle is its most bitter enemy, against 

 whom the united attacks of many of these birds are concen- 

 trated, when it has the audacity to venture within 

 their hunting-grounds, or breeding-quarters. The Fish 



