(5G THE FISH HAWK, OR OSPREY. 



them or a bonita-fish, after they had resumed their usual mode of swimming 

 near the surface. 



The motions of the Fish Hawk in the air are graceful, and as majestic as 

 those of the Eagle. It rises with ease to a great height by extensive circlings, 

 performed apparently by mere inclinations of the wings and tail. It dives 

 at times to some distance with the wings partially closed, and resumes its 

 sailing, as if these plunges were made for amusement only. Its wings are 

 extended at right angles to the body, and when thus flying it is easily distin- 

 guishable from all other Hawks by the eye of an observer accustomed to 

 note the flight of birds. Whilst in search of food, it flies with easy flappings 

 at a moderate height above the water, and with an apparent listlessness, 

 although in reality it is keenly observing the objects beneath. No sooner 

 does it spy a fish suited to its taste, than it 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 which it plunges headlong with great rapidity 

 into the water, to secure its prey, or continues its flight, if disappointed by 

 having observed the fish sink deeper. 



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

 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 towards 

 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 winters along the southern coasts of the Floridas, 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 appearance 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 



