FISH HAWK. 417 



checks its course with a sudden shake of its wings and tail, which gives 

 it the appearance of being poised in the air for a moment, after wliich it 

 plunges headlong with great rapidity into the water, to secure its prey, 

 or continue its flight, if disappointed by having observed the fish sink 

 deeper. 



When it plunges into the water in pursuit of a fish, it sometimes pro- 

 ceeds deep enough to disappear for an instant. The surge caused by its 

 descent is so great as to make the spot around it present the appearance 

 of a mass of foam. On rising with its prey, it is seen holding it in the 

 manner represented in the Plate. It mounts a few yards into the air, 

 shakes the water from its plumage, squeezes the fish with its talons, and 

 immediately proceeds towar&s its nest, to feed its young, or to a tree, to 

 devour the fruit of its industry in peace. When it has satisfied its hunger, 

 it does not, like other Hawks, stay perched until hunger again urges it 

 forth, but usually sails about at a great height over the neighbouring 

 waters. 



The Fish Hawk has a great attachment to the tree to which it carries 

 its prey, and will not abandon it, unless frequently disturbed, or shot at 

 whilst feeding there. It shews the same attachment to the tree on which 

 it has built its first nest, and returns to it year after year. 



This species arrives on the southern coasts of the United States early 

 in the month of February, and proceeds eastward as the season advances. 

 In the Middle Districts, the fishermen hail its appearance with joy, as it 

 is the harbinger of various species of fish which resort to the Atlantic 

 coasts, or ascend the numerous rivers. It arrives in the Middle States 

 about the beginning of April, and returns southward at the first appear- 

 ance of frost. I have occasionally seen a few of these birds on the muddy 

 lakes of Louisiana, in the neighbourhood of New Orleans, during the 

 winter months ; but they appeared emaciated, and were probably unable 

 to follow their natural inclinations, and proceed farther south. 



As soon as the females make their appearance, which happens eight 

 or ten days after the arrival of the males, the love-season commences, and 

 soon after, incubation takes place. The loves of these birds are conducted 

 in a different way from those of the other Falcons. The males are seen 

 playing through the air amongst themselves, chasing each other in sport, 

 or sailing by the side or after the female which they have selected, uttering 

 cries of joy and exultation, alighting on the branches of the tree on which 

 their last year's nest is yet seen remaining, and doubtless congratulating 



D -1 



