A Pioneer History of Becker County. 
i /3 
for many years past in a large pine tree on the west shore 
of Elk Lake, but a short distance north of the northeastern 
corner of Becker County. The writer inspected and photo¬ 
graphed this eyrie, containing two young eaglets in July, 
1902. The Bald Eagle makes bold to capture a few squirrels, 
rabbits, gophers, and an occasional bird ; but for the most 
part secures its living by robbing the Fisk Hawk of its 
hard-earned prey. It is, also, not averse to carrion when 
hard pressed. A noble record for the bird selected as our 
national emblem ! 
104. Gyrfaecon ( Falco rusticolus ). 
This, or one of its two varieties, may be looked for as a 
rare accidental winter visitant from the north. 
105. Prairie Falcon ( Falco mexicaiuis). 
A western species that may occur as a rare straggler in 
the prairie portion of the county. 
106. Duck Hawk ( Falco peregrinus anatum). 
A beautiful, bold hawk of medium size. An occasional 
pair may be found nesting in tall timber about the larger 
bodies of water. 
107. Pigeon Hawk ( Falco columbarius). 
A common little hawk of spirited habit, feeding chiefly on 
birds and insects and occasional small mammals. 
108. Richardson's Merlin ( Falco richardsonii ). 
A western species that may occur as a rare visitor in the 
prairie portion of the county. 
109. Sparrow Hawk ( Falco sparverius ). 
An abundant and beautiful little hawk to be seen sitting 
motionless on the top of a stub or fence post, or poised on 
rapidly-beating wings, as it looks for the mouse or grass¬ 
hopper in the grass below. A very useful bird that has 
been all too greatly reduced in numbers of late years. 
Nests in holes in trees. 
no. Osprey, Fisii Hawk ( Pandion halicctus carolincnsis ). 
A few pairs nest about the larger bodies of water. They 
were to be seen daily about Lake Itasca in the summer 
of 1902, securing their prey by bold dashes into the water, 
often from a considerable height. They seize the fish in 
their talons and hear it off to be devoured at some con- 
