30 
BIRDS OF PREY. 
ware. Here they live together at least as peaceably as rooks ; 
and so harmless are they considered by other birds that, ac- 
cording to IVilson, the Crow Blackbirds, or Grakles, are some- 
times allowed refuge by the Ospreys, and construct their nests 
in the very interstices of their eyry. It would appear some- 
times that, as with Swallows, a general assistance is given in 
the constructing of a new nest ; for previous to this event, a 
flock have been seen to assemble in the same tree, squealing as 
is their custom when anything materially agitates them. At 
times they are also seen engaged in social gambols high in the 
air, making loud vociferations, suddenly darting down, and then 
sailing in circles ; and these innocent recreations, like many 
other unmeaning things, are construed into prognostications of 
stormy or changing weather. Their common friendly call is a 
kind of shrill whistle, 'pheiv, 'plmu, 'phew, repeated five or six 
times, and somewhat similar to the tone of a fife. Though 
social, they are sometimes seen to combat in the air, instigated 
probably more by jealousy than a love of rapine, as their food 
is always obtained from an unfailing source. 
Early in May the Osprey commences laying, and has from 
two to four eggs. They are a little larger than those of the 
Common Fowl, and are from a reddish or yellowish cream-color 
to nearly white, marked with large blotches and points of 
reddish brown. During the period of incubation the male 
frequently supplies his mate with food, and she leaves her eggs 
for very short intervals. 
'I’he young appear about the last of June, and are most 
assiduously attended and supplied. On the approach of any 
person towards the nest, the parent utters a peculiar plaintive, 
whistling note, which increases as it takes to wing, sailing 
round, and at times making a quick descent, as if aiming at 
the intruder, but sweeping past at a short distance. On the 
nest being invaded, either while containing eggs or young, 
the male displays great courage and makes a violent and 
dangerous opposition. The young remain a long time in the 
nest, so that the old are sometimes obliged to thrust them 
out and encourage them to fly ; but they still, for a period, con- 
tinue to feed them in the air. 
