Haliaoetus leucocenhalus . 
Lake Umbagog, Maine 
Catching a fish 
1896 
This morning I tried to photograph a large brown Eagle 
June 1. sitting erect on one of the lateral branches of the tall dead 
pine on which these birds perch so frequently. But before I 
could get ray camera adjusted the Eagle spread his great wings 
and stood for a moment looking intently in my direction. I 
supposed, of course, that I had excited his suspicions but 
when he took flight the next instant he Came nearly towards 
me passing me within 40 yards and gliding on set wings down a 
long, gentle incline to the surface of the pond on reaching w 
which he dropped his legs and plunged both feet into the water. 
This motion as well as the flight from the pine was performed 
in so very leisurely a manner that I thought for the moment 
Instantly the great bird wheeled and came back; once^he droppe 
in the strong talons. The bird's feet were scarcely submerged 
so easily was the thing done. He flew off with the fish held 
beneath him at the flail length of his legs, just as an Osprey 
does, and taking it to a pine began at once to eat it. 
