An Island Eden 



179 



In two localities where tall, slender swamp maples grow from low flooded 

 woodlands, several hundred Night Herons build their rude platform nests of 

 sticks high in the branches. As, with frightened squawks, the old birds 

 leave the home tree one might imagine one had invaded a hen-roost. In 

 earl}^ June the streaked young are nearly grown, and sit in rows of three 



NO TRESPASSING ! 



Fish -hawk and ground nest. The nest contained three nearly grown young 



Photographed July 7, 1902 



and four on the limbs near the frail structure in which they were reared, 

 waiting for the impulse which will bid them use their newly grown wings. 

 But the birds for which, among naturalists at least, Gardiner's Island is 

 famous are the Fish -hawks, or Ospreys. The island furnishes them with a 

 safe retreat to which, year after year, they may return and find their bulky 

 nests undisturbed, awaiting them, while the surrounding waters afford an 

 ianfailing supply of food. Among the birds they are the lords of this land. 



