Hawks and Hagles 
The osprey, or fish hawk, breeds all along the coast.and winters 
from the Middle Atlantic States southward. The nests are bulky, and fre- 
quently placed on tall stubs, though a variety of other sites are some- 
times occupied. ‘The eggs, usually 3, are from white to reddish brown, 
heavily spotted with deep brown, The fish hawk is a rather large bird 
(length, 21 to 25 inches; spread, 54 ts 72 inches), dark above, pale be- 
low, with a good deal of white about the head. The tail and wing are 
chiefly barred, dusky and white. The wings are long and distinctly el- 
bowed in flight. The bird hovers over the water and plunges in after its 
prey, which consists almost entirely of fishes, though as a rule those ob- 
tained are chiefly noncommercial varieties. Without regard to that fact, 
it has long been looked upon with favor by fishermen, a fortunate circum- 
stance. The osprey is specialized to get its food from the water, and it 
will not come to the ground even for prey it has accidentally dropped. 
There seems little likelihood, therefore, of its preying upon poultry, 
rabbits, or other similar landlubbers. 
The bald eagle lives almost completely throughout North America, 
and probably breeds near, if not in, salt marshes, for it is largely a 
coastwise bird. It is larger than the osprey, being 30 to & inches long 
with a spread of from 72 to 85 inches. ‘he adults are dark brown, with the 
entire head and neck and tail white. The wings are broad and long, are 
flapped rather slowly, and are mach used also in soaring. The young lack 
the white head and tail and are chiefly dark, though some present a 
blotched appearance. Their size and similarity to the adults in action 
and habits, however, will identify them. The nest usually is larger and 
placed in a higher tree than that of the osprey. The eggs, usually 2, are 
yellowish white. While an expert in flight and powerful enough to capture 
almost any of the forms of wildlife on ovr coast, the bald eagle is by 
preference a scavenger. Dead fish and other animals it finds on beaches 
and mud flats are its most common food, tnough crippled wild fowl are scon 
found and despatched, and a certain provortion of living prey is taken. 
The eagle has long been reputed to harass the osprey until it drops its 
catch, which the eagle then recovers and devours, but according to the 
writer's experience, this must be an uncommon performance. The bald 
eagle does little harm to healthy wildlife, is a magnificent bird, a 
master of the air, and the embodiment of wild freedom. It should be pre- 
served forever for its own sake, as well as because it is the National 
Emblem, 
Crows 
Crows need no description. Two kinds visit the Atlantic-coast salt 
IMarshes, but they are not readily distinguished by the inexperienced. The 
upland crow, of almost continental range, averages somewhat larger than 
the coastal fish crow, however, and appears of sturdier build, particularly 
as to the chest, head, and beak. It is more accustomed to long flights, 
and as a rule goes directly on its way with steady sweeping wing beats. 
Its caw is hoarser and more guttural. ‘Zhe fish crow has a more vacillating 
flight, and a higher pitched and nasal car. The fish crow resides along tie 
Paes 
