516 



NA TURA L HIS TOR Y. 



With us they are most abundant along the sea-shore, making their nests 

 in trees near the water. They are eminently sociable birds, and frequently 

 several may be found nesting near each other, and hundreds have been 

 known to live in one community. 



The osprey is a hard worker. One may see it circling around with 

 sharp, quick strokes over the waves, watching for its daily food. Soon it 

 sees a fish below, and then the sight must be seen to be appreciated. The 

 wings are closed tight against the body, and the bird throws himself head- 



Ste, 





Fig. 428. — Common European buzzard ( Unteo vulgaris). Our Swainson's buzzard is probably but a 

 variety of tins, ami cannot be distinguished from it in the cut. 



long down to the water, turns his body quickly, and grasps his prey with 

 his talons. Sometimes he plunges a foot, or even more, below the surface in 

 his efforts to capture the fish. Even after he gets his dinner, he is not always 

 sure of it until it is safely stored away in his stomach. The bald eagle, as 

 has already been described, often robs him of his booty, while farther south 

 the frigate-bird plays the same piratical part. In all parts of the world it 

 is the same. Everywhere there are birds ready to take advantage of the 

 fish-hawk's industry. These robberies are highly interesting and exciting to 

 watch, but invariably one's sympathies are with the osprey. As the robber 



