200 BIRDS 



"Of 320 stomachs examined, 1 contained a game bird; 

 53, other birds; 12, mammals; 12, reptiles or batrachians; 

 215, insects; 29, spiders; and 29, empty." (Fisher.) 



OSPREY 



This is the famous Fish Hawk, inhabiting the entire 

 United States, but common only in certain sections near 

 large bodies of water. Fish hawks are common along the 

 Atlantic Coast, especially in Georgia, and from New York 

 north to the St. Lawrence River. On the Pacific Coast 

 they are familiar objects on the islands opposite California. 

 Distinctly fish-eating birds, water is an essential environ- 

 ment. They also exhibit a preference for ocean exposure, 

 no doubt because fishing is easier. Silently and rapidly 

 they move over the water at a height of about forty feet, 

 until some member of the finny tribe is discerned close to 

 the surface. Instantly the great wings are closed, and the 

 osprey plunges head foremost into the depths, often com- 

 pletely disappearing from view. In a second he arises with 

 a fish in his talons, and with a scream of triumph flies to 

 his nest or some favorite log or limb, which is used as a 

 lunch counter. 



You or I may not be the only witness to this perform- 

 ance. The bald eagle, from his elevated perch, has intently 

 watched the proceedings, and his time to participate now 

 presents itself. Immediately he starts in pursuit of the fish 

 hawk, and the latter, terrified at the onrushing bird of 

 greater size, drops his catch to lighten his weight, thus facili- 

 tating his escape. No sooner does the fish leave the osprey's 



