24 



FISH-HAWK, OR OSPREY 



length of the mtestines surprised me; when carefully extended they 

 measured within an inch or two of nine feet, and were no thicker 

 than those of a Robin ! The crop, or craw, was middle sized, and 

 contained a nearly dissolved fish; the stomach was a large oblong 

 pouch, capable of considerable distension, and was also filled with 

 half digested fish ; no appearance of a muscular gizzard. 



By the descriptions of European naturalists it would appear, 

 that this bird, or one near a-kin to it, is a native of the Eastern 

 continent in summer, as far north as Siberia; the Bald Buzzard of 

 Turton almost exactly agreeing with the present species in size, 

 color, and manners, with the exception of its breeding or making 

 its nest among the reeds, instead of on trees. Mr. Bewick, who has 

 figured and described the female of this bird under the appellation 

 of the " Osprey," says, " that it builds on the ground, among reeds, 

 and lays three or four eggs of an elliptical form, rather less than 

 those of a hen." This difference of habit may be owing to parti- 

 cular local circumstances, such deviations being usual among many 

 of our native birds. The Italians are said to compare its descent 

 upon the water to a piece of lead falling upon that element; and 

 distinguish it by the name of Aquila piumbina, or the Leaden Eagle. 

 In the United States it is every where denominated the Fish-Hawk, 

 or Fishing-Hawk, a name truly expressive of its habits. 



The regular arrival of this noted bird at the vernal equinox, 

 when the busy season of fishing commences, adds peculiar interest 

 to its first appearance, and procures it many a benediction from 

 the fishermen. With the following lines, illustrative of these cir- 

 cumstances, I shall conclude its history. 



Soon as the Sun, great ruler of the year! 

 Bends to our northern climes his bright career. 

 And from the caves of ocean calls from sleep 

 The finny shoals and myriads of the deep ; : ji 



