FROM SPAIN. 497 



nest on the dead topmost twigs, or at any rate on the upper- 

 most branches, 



In Austria the Osprey occurs everywhere, even in the most 

 cultivated districts, provided they contain large rivers, ponds, 

 or lakes, to supply it with food everywhere, that is, during 

 migration and when the young birds begin their wanderings. 

 When breeding, however, it is only to be found in certain 

 districts, which not only furnish it with the necessaries of 

 life, but where it is also sufficiently out of the way of man 

 and animals. 



In Bohemia I have either found it on all the larger rivers 

 and ponds during the time of its migration, or have seen 

 specimens of it in country houses and collections. The many 

 extensive lakes of the southern part of the country afford it 

 suitable resorts, which it visits when migrating or when it 

 leaves its nest to go fishing. Every year a few pairs nest in 

 the forests, far away from any large river, and even a good 

 many miles from the ponds of the plains. These nests are 

 situated in the extensive woods of pine and spruce among the 

 higher hills, which are *little frequented by man. This bird 

 and the Pygmy Eagle are now the only eagles that breed 

 in Bohemia. 



In the plains of Lower Austria the Osprey occurs almost 

 everywhere, and is found on the Danube from spring to 

 autumn with great regularity. In the lonely auen between 

 Vienna and Pressburg it is even very common ; and during 

 both the time of its migration and throughout the summer 

 some young birds that are not yet ready to breed frequent 

 the river, and may be seen taking regular flights along the 

 main stream and its arms, or lazily sitting on the sandbanks, 

 among the various marsh and waterfowl. The Osprey is such 

 an inoffensive fellow, and lives so exclusively on fish, that 

 none of these birds are the least shy of him, but, on the 

 contrary, live peaceably in his company. 



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