24 THE NATURALIST IN BERMUDA. 



Mr. Harry Tucker's ponds, and presented to Dr. Monroe 

 (Staff Surgeon), then in charge of the sick, at Prospect 

 Hill encampment* 



OSPREY {Pandion halicetus). This bird is said formerly 

 to have been abundant in the Bermudas; of late years, 

 however, it had not been noticed till October 15th, 1847, 

 when a very fiine specimen was shot by Colonel Dunsmure 

 (late 42nd Eoyal Highlanders), at the Sluice Ponds, which 

 is now in my possession. This species was frequently seen 

 afterwards, along the shores of the different islands, and 

 several specimens were obtained. The Sluice Ponds, which 

 abound with grey mullet, were one of their most favourite 

 haunts. On one occasion, when out there with my gun 

 and casting net, I threw the latter over a very line osprey ; 

 the bird was so wet after his day's fishing, that he could 

 hardly iiy ; he managed, however, to escape from the net, 

 but fell to my gun. 



Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) The first jnotice 

 of this bird was in 1846. It was killed by Dr. Cole (20th 

 Eegt). I often observed one flying about in January, 1850, 

 and on the 1st of February following, it was wounded by a 

 ' Mudian,' and given to Mr. Hurdis, who kept it alive for a 

 long time ; its ultimate fate I have forgotten. 



Pigeon Hawk {Falco columbarius.) This pretty little 

 falco is found occasionally, throughout the year, on all the 

 islands ; but it has not been known to breed. 



Wilson's Sparrow Hawk (Falco sparverius.) A beau- 



* The head of this bird is now in the collection of our friend, Capt. Edward 

 Loftus Bland, of the Royal Engineers, to whom that portion was presented 

 by Dr. Monroe ; the greater portion of the skin, not being well preserved, 

 was finally thrown away, and the above part only kept. 



