FISH HAWK, OR OSPREY- 
109 
to fix their claws in a negro’s head, who was attempting to 
climb to their nest ; and I had lately a proof of their daring 
spirit in this way, through the kindness of a friend, resident, 
for a few weeks, at Great Egg Harbour. 1 had requested of 
him the favour to transmit me, if possible, a live Fish Hawk, 
for the purpose of making a drawing of it, which commission 
he very faithfully executed; and I think I cannot better 
illustrate this part of the bird’s character, than by quoting 
his letter at large : — 
44 Beasley’s , Great Egg Harbour , 30 th June , 1811. 
44 Sir, — Mr Beasley and I went to reconnoitre a Fish 
Hawk’s nest on Thursday afternoon. When I was at the 
nest, I was struck with so great violence on the crown of the 
hat, that I thought a hole was made in it. I had ascended 
fearlessly, and never dreamt of being attacked. I came down 
quickly. There were in the nest three young ones, about the 
size of pullets, which, though full feathered, were unable to fly. 
On Friday morning, I went again to the nest to get a young 
one, which I thought I could nurse to a considerable growth, 
sufficient to answer your purpose, if I should fail to procure 
an' old one, which was represented to me as almost impossible, 
on account of his shyness, and the danger from his dreadful 
claws. On taking a young one, I intended to lay a couple of 
snares in the nest, for which purpose I had a strong cord in 
my pocket. The old birds were on the tree when Captain 
H. and I approached it. As a defence, profiting by the 
experience of yesterday, I took a walking stick with me. 
When I was about half up the tree, the bird I send you struck 
at me repeatedly with violence ; he flew round, in a small 
circle, darting at me at every circuit, and I striking at him. 
Observing that he always described a circle in the air, before 
he came at me, I kept a hawk’s eye upon him, and the moment 
he passed me, I availed myself of the opportunity to ascend. 
When immediately under the nest, I hesitated at the formi- 
dable opposition I met, as his rage appeared to increase with 
