The Ospreij. 
191 
excursion loaded with a large fish, and compels him to 
drop his prey ; the Eagle then descends with wonderful 
rapidity, and generally succeeds in seizing the fish 
before it reaches the water. 
THE OSPEEY, OR FISHING HAWK. 
(Pandion lialiaetus.) 
" True to the season, o'er our sea-beat shore 
The sailing Osprey high is seen to soar 
With broad unmoving wing ; and circling slow, 
Marks each loose straggler in the deep below ; 
Sweeps down like lightning, plunges with a roar, 
And bears its struggling victim to the shore." 
This bird is always found on the sea- shore, or near 
rivers or lakes, as it feeds entirely on fish. It is com- 
mon in Great Britain, and also in America, where large 
colonies of it are found, the birds living together like 
rooks. " When looking out for its prey," says Dr. 
Richardson, " it sails with great ease and elegance, in 
undulating and curved lines, at a considerable height 
above the water, till it perceives its prey, when it 
pounces down upon it. It seizes the fish with its claws, 
sometimes scarcely appearing to dip its feet in the 
