OSPREY. 
making a meal off a butt, the local name for the flounder. Most authors describe the manner in which this 
species seizes its prey, dashing down at times with great force and clutching it with its powerful talons. This 
without doubt is its usual method; but under certain circumstances, I imagine, it is forced to change lis 
tactics. I have watched one or two, while searching for flounders in the muddy creeks on Breydon Water, 
following the course of the channels, and fishing in exactly the same manner that Gulls may be noticed when 
picking up the floating refuse in a tideway, the only difference being that a Gull seizes the food with his beak, 
while an Osprey grasps it in his claws. The thickness of the water renders it impossible for any fish to bo 
detected at a depth below the surface; flounders, however, may frequently be seen working their way close to 
the edge of the stream ; and from the manner in which the birds proceeded, I have not the slightest doubt they 
were in pursuit of this description of fish. After hovering round for a second or two, I have noticed one dip down 
close to the mud-bank, and, although appearing scarcely to have touched the water, sail off to some quiet spot, 
where it could leisurely devour its prey, — a favourite resting-place in that locality being the sweeps of an old mill 
standing within a short distance of the flats, from which a good view of approaching danger might be obtained. 
Mullet are very plentiful in the upper parts of Breydon Water, and to these the Osprey is stated to be particularly 
partial when observed in the south of England. I have never as yet (though, of course, that is no prool that 
the bird does not) seen one attempt to capture any of these fish on this water. Possibly it may be owing to 
the fact that the only part where they can be seen below the surface is, during summer, almost choked by a 
green slimy weed, which would probably hinder the bird from taking its prey. On several occasions in the 
Highlands I have noticed that small trout, a quarter of a pound or less, were brought to feed the young ; and 
the male I have also observed carrying fish of about this size to the female while sitting. Although it has 
been frequently remarked that large and heavy fish are captured, I have but once or twice seen a trout in their 
talons that could have been a pound in weight. This species of fish, the common lake or brown trout, appears 
to be their favourite prey in the north, as I have noticed no other members of the finny tribe taken. I was 
rather surprised on one occasion to see a wounded Osprey disgorge some portions of an exceedingly small 
trout. Although the whole fish could not have been above an ounce or two (about the size of a sardine), it 
had been bitten into two or three pieces, appearing to have been divided straight across, and looking as clean 
cut as if chopped with a knife. On examining the remains it seemed strange how so small a fish could have 
been grasped by the foot of the bird. 
Now and then I have come across paragraphs in different publications stating that this species had been 
observed attempting to capture both fowls and rabbits. If any faith can be placed in these reports I should 
imagine the birds must have been much reduced by want before they would resort to such unnatural food. 
Had not the robber in one instance been shot, I should have been of opinion that some other bird of prey had 
been mistaken for the Osprey. 
Collectors and gamekeepers are not alone responsible for the annual diminution in the numbers of this 
species. A wandering bird, while on its passage across the country, no sooner takes up its quarters for a short 
time in the neighbourhood of some well-stocked pond or river, than the custodian of the water becomes alarmed 
for the safety of the fish committed to his charge ; a strict watch is kept, and before many days have elapsed 
the unfortunate stranger falls a victim either to misplaced confidence or the temerity caused by excessive 
hunger ; and a paragraph in the county paper duly records the capture of the depredator. 
Two or, more commonly, three eggs appear to be the usual number. When all the young birds have 
been reared, I observed that by the time they were full-fledged there has been considerable difference in the 
size, the largest being, as nearly as possible, double the size and weight of the most backward. By the end of 
the second or third week in J uly the young birds arc generally fit to leave the nest. For some time after 
they arc well able to fly they will remain about the spot, returning every night to roost upon the nest; and 
here the old birds also bring them food. 
