HO 
FISH HAWK, OR OSPREY. 
my presumption in invading liis premises. But I mounted to 
the nest. At that moment he darted directly at me with all 
his force, whizzing through the air, his choler apparently 
redoubled. Fortunately for me, I struck him on the 
extreme joint of the right wing with my stick, which brought 
him to the ground. During this contest, the female was 
flying round and round at a respectful distance. Captain H. 
held him till I tied my handkerchief about his legs : the 
captain felt the effect of his claws. I brought away a young 
one to keep the old one in a good humour. I put them in a 
very large coop ; the young one ate some fish, when broken 
and put into its throat ; but the old one would not eat for two 
days. He continued sullen and obstinate, hardly changing his 
position. He walks about now, and is approached without 
danger. He takes very little notice of the young one. A 
Joseph Smith, working in the field where this nest is, had the 
curiosity to go up and look at the eggs : the bird clawed his 
face in a shocking manner ; his eye had a narrow escape. I 
am told that it has never been considered dangerous to 
approach a Hawk’s nest. If this be so, this bird’s character is 
peculiar ; his affection for his young, and his valiant opposi- 
tion to an invasion of his nest, entitle him to conspicuous 
notice. He is the prince of Fish Hawks ; his character and 
his portrait seem worthy of being handed to the historic muse. 
A Hawk more worthy of the honour which awaits him could 
not have been found. I hope no accident will happen to him, 
and that he may fully answer your purpose. — Yours, 
“ Thomas Smith.” 
66 This morning the female was flying to and fro, making a 
mournful noise.” 
The young of the Fish Hawk are remarkable for remaining 
long in the nest before they attempt to fly. Mr Smith’s letter 
is dated June 30th, at which time, he observes, they were as 
large as pullets, and full feathered. Seventeen days after, I 
myself ascended to this same Flawk’s nest, where I found the 
