EXPLOITS OF THE OSPREYS 



55 



Owl and Falcon Families. It is a good bird to lead a large 

 Family, and it is to be regretted that those who dwell far from 

 the sea-coast and large rivers lack opportunities for becoming 

 well acquainted with it. Surely this bold fisher, who thinks 



AMERICAN OSPREY. 



nothing of dropping a hundred feet into ice-cold water, seiz- 

 ing a fish of nearly half its own weight and flying five miles 

 with it, must appeal to every man and boy who loves the 

 grasp of a good rod, and the musical click of a reel. 



The boat trip up the Shrewsbury River, from New York 

 to Long Branch, is worth taking in midsummer solely for the 

 sight of the Ospreys, winging slowly over the still lagoon, 



