156 WITH THE SEA-LOVERS 



their gray dresses, waiting to be fed, making 

 no effort to fly, but uttering the weird un- 

 bird-like cries, and their elders sitting with 

 them, every few minutes rising and circling 

 about, then returning to the little group on 

 the water. It was a pleasing sight, and one 

 that I enjoyed frequently during August. 



Sometimes a more rare visitor passed over, 

 with white head shining in the sun, 



" Soaring superb overhead in the fathomless blue," 



an osprey or fish-hawk. On one occasion I 

 had a nearer view. The bird was found 

 walking by himself in the woods, in a quiet 

 and matter-of-fact manner, as if walking 

 were his ordinary way of getting about. 

 When approached he did not fly, and indeed 

 he made no resistance when picked up by 

 a lady and carried into a house. He was 

 placed on the floor and a much-interested 

 audience gathered about him, though at a 

 respectful distance, for he looked formidable 

 enough with his fearless eye, his savage beak, 

 and great talons. He was not in the least 

 afraid or wild, and made no attempt to get 

 away. He returned the somewhat rude stares 



