Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1849-08-23
JOB PRINTING.
From the American Courier.
The Fish Hawk, Or Osprey.
PANDION CAROLINENSIS.)
BY JNO. X. TOWNSEND, NJ. d.

BY JNO. X. TOWNSEND, NJ. d. t
Every one who has spent much time on the
at of New Jersey, is acquainted with the ia
iar and harmless Fish Hawk. This fine bird
,kes his appearance on the coast usually about
= first week in April, and remains until frost is
srly set in, when he retres to the South, where
finds more genial climate. His appearance
| uniformly hailed with JOY by the fishermen of
| he shore, because they know that his advent in
Gates the approach of shoals of fish which form
heir susenance and continue to enlarge their
tore. The Fish Hawk is also universal favor
e with the farmers residing near the sea; and it
not unusual at Cape May, for them to encour
ge him to sojourn on their land, by planting trees
III large kind in their meadows on which to con-
Itruct his enormous nest. They are aware that
Ehe land becomes much richer in the vicinity of
these nests, because, from the immsnse quantity
hi fish scales, bones and other offal which fall
Eum il, during the time of feeding their foung,
|hs ground is manured for a great distance around
the tree, as it is clearly shown by the much more
rank vegetation of these parts.
In his disposition, the Osprey is remarkably
mild and gentle, never disturbing the domestic
fowls, but rather proving protection to them by
/ his presence, as predatory Hawks, Owls, &C., are
inundated by his great bulk, and fierce look.
Audubon states that person attempting to rob
the nest of a Fish Hawk, is in danger from the
attacks of the old ones; but this has not been my
experience have several times, in Cape May,
assembled to their nests, have handled, and even
taken to the ground their eggs and young, while
tuh the old birds have flown screaming around
ne without ever appearing to mediate an attack.
Ii is probably in consequence of his milCness of
temper and the apparent indisposition to defend
himself which he eyinces on all occasions, that
The poor Fish Hawk is fated to suffer from the pi-
ladcal attacks of the Eagle.
Nuaall states that in some instances the Fish
puse Of driving off their inexhorable oppressors-
lut this is undoubtedly incorrect, for the Oldest
iadabtants of Cape May assured me that they
AVE never observed such a phenomenon. |
SOuld not be understood as intimating that my
Old and valued friend Nuttall, would intentionally
oepart from the truth in the smallest particular,
Tor have the highest opinion of his rigid integrity
ou he has probably heard this account from one
those object was 10 deceive him; and with sim.
lGciy which forms one of his prominent charac-
I-fstcs, he has received it all as gospel truth.
Il is not at all uncommon for travelling natural
ISIS to be deceived in matters of this sort. 4he
leiaers of these mayeis think it an excellent joke
TO hunbug the lazy good-for-nothing fellows
1Gs go about the country hunting birds, bugs, and
plants add rejoice over it greatly in company with
their pot companions, as they loll aboutthe taverns
Ia the evening.
The food of the Osprey consists exclusively OF
fSh, and few of the coast exhibitions are more in
ieresting than his gyrations in the air, and ma
leVres to catch his prey. He is easy recognize
aole even when far off, by his UNUSUAL form, and
PECULIAR curvature of wing while his loud, strid-
olous scream may be heard from great distance.
9t all times of the day he may be seen sailing
over the water with his head turning downward,
and his keen eye scanning the liquid element
lie poises himself over it, often at great height in
lie air, and after spending moment in ouivering
lis wings and tail, closes his pinions and darts
leadlong into the deep, often disappearing for a
inoment beneath the waves. Ifhe should miss his
liey-which, however, rarely happens-he again
'Ases and sails quietly on soon 10 renew his at
'nN upon another quarry,