248 Life and Immortality. 
almost invisible, the Osprey swallows his victim if small, or 
seeks to bear it away in his talons to a position of shelter 
and safety, but, rather than endure the too near approach of 
his more powerful relative, drops it to the infinite delight and 
great satisfaction of the latter. Where a suitable tree, or a 
commanding stump, presents itself by the side of his chosen 
fishing-grounds, he may be seen perched thereon for hours 
together, gazing into the liquid depths below for the finny 
tribes that sport therein, and ever and anon swooping down 
with amazing velocity and bearing up in his resistless talons 
the squirming victim. In shallow places his mode of capture 
is regulated in conformity with their character, gliding over 
their surface and clutching at his victims as they come within 
sight. 
The food of the Osprey consists mainly of fish, although 
the reptiles and batrachians that inhabit the swamps and 
marshes wherein he builds do not escape his vigilance. 
Almost all kinds of fish, except the very largest, which 
would be more than a match for his strength, are captured 
and devoured with avidity. We have watched with a great 
deal of interest and pleasure his piscatorial pursuits on the 
shores of Delaware Bay, and have often seen him bear 
from great depths fish much larger than the common shad. 
The latter, together with the herring, striped bass and black 
bass, are favorite articles of diet, while his catchings from 
fresh-water streams, the larger cyprinidonts, cat-fish and 
pumpkin-seed, are quite as great luxuries. 
When the nesting-time comes around, the last of April or 
the beginning of May, these birds are not so engrossed with 
the thoughts of feeding as to be utterly oblivious of the 
duties which it imposes. Generally the same nest is selected 
year after year, but when a new one is to be constructed it is 
not uncommon to find many pairs engaged in its building, 
the friends of the destitute assembling and laboring with the 
most determined energy till its completion. A more soci- 
able disposition could hardly be conceived. The spirit which 
