106 BIRDS 



made. (Fig. 44.) Although this young Eagle had never 

 been away from the nest, when Mr. Hodges got within 

 three feet of it, the bird hopped to a nearby limb, posed 

 for its picture, spread its vast blackish wings and 

 plunged into space. Thence, with the grace, ease and 

 wing poise of an old bird, it sailed away over the waters 

 of the bay and was soon lost to sight. 



Among other articles of Bald Eagle diet in this 

 nest was half of a putrid skunk and a half -eaten water 

 moccasin. As far as concerned that nest and its owners, 

 if scentiment were the issue in selecting the bird as our 

 national emblem, the judges would have received strong 

 support had they decided according to the exhalations 

 in the top of this yellow pine tree that hot March after- 

 noon. 



