Casco Bay breeze. [volume] (South Harpswell, Me.) 1901-1917, 1905-08-24
NV ADVENTURE
WITH A FISH HAWK
By F. LINwOOD BAILEY

L arose cary one morning with the
intention of making a trip to Falcon
Island, where for many years an old
hsh hawk had built her nest in a tall
Tree, the only tree in fact on the isl.
and. IL was beautiful morning and
as my little boat danced merrily over
the waves. the sun rose in all it's
splendor casting its golden light over
the deep blue waters of Madison lake.
As L neared the island a flock of NAL
lard suddenly rose from the water
with whurry and scurry that made
me think of the good old days at ia
quish. Bleaching my skiff and making
IL securely fast l proceeded up the
Island TO the lone tree and its prey
ing inhabitant.
Al this moment my eve caught the
figure of the old male hawk. a mere
speck in the distance as he circled in
the air with slow gravitations in
quest OF an early breakfast for him.
self and family. for you know a ven
cradle old fisherman like he with a
family OF four hungry youngsters TO
support must be up early in the morn
ing.
The nest was situated well into the
top oil the tree fully co feet from the
ground, and as I stood at the foot
OF the bole specializing as to how I
was going to cover that co feet of
good hard climbing. the old bird sud-
denly rose from her nest and sailed
majestically out over the lake. | re-
moved my coat so that | might not
be hampered in my movements and
began the difficult task. Nearly 10
minutes were consumed in reaching
the nest. for the tree was bare of
limbs up TO distance of 40 feet. The
nest was constructed of sticks, stones
and dried seaweed. and as I peered
over the edge at the startled young
sters ] was struck with the ferocious
appearance Of their hooked beaks and
sharp talons. / being a naturalist
by nature devoured this display of
ferocity to my hearts content.
l was suddenly awakened from my
revere, however. by the shrill scream
OF the mother hawk as she flew past
my mead, her wing nearly brushing
my cheek. l had forethought enough
refore starting in the morning TO drop
a 22 calibre revolver in my pocket
but IL contained only three cartridges
and resolved to make the most OF
them should occasion arise. The at
lacking party had executed right
hank movement and came at me with
a rush and whirr. giving me Just
time enough TO duck my head as she
shot by. The old male bird attracted
by the screams of it's mate. was now
preparing for action. Describing sew
eral wide circles he flew of at a tan
gent. but the tangent was aimed in
my direction. ! had had previous
warning. however. and avoided him
by quickly drawing myself behind the
nest and he shot past. knocking off
my hat.
Now ] was compelled TO give nv I'M
divided attention TO the female who
had rallied and was coming AT mo
from another quarter. and this time
used my revolver. firing straight into
the broad breast. .. The bullet must
have penetrated che heart for she fell
wing over wing. limb from limb. strik.
ing the ground where she lay still
The other bird seeing the death of
its mate. attacked me with renewed
fury. Flushed with success from my
first shot I took careful ain: and fired
but Just as 7 did so the bird for some
unknown reason. wheeled and my bull
let went wide and before I could pre.
pare myself for another attack my
enemy was upon me. beating me
heTcely with its wings while the
sharp claws were buried in my shout.
der. Owing to the danger Of my no
sition ! could use only one arm. but
with one hand free I fred blindIy
over my head and as luck would have
u the bullet struck the wing Of my
antagonist and with a scream Of sub
mission he lamely few TO a neigh.
boring rock while descended the
tree and launching my boat. vowed I
would never tackle another fsb
hawks nest without the aid of a com.
pany OF Uncle Sans regulars.