Osprey

When the first southwesters blow in late March or early April, the Fish Hawks return to the New England coasts and after a few days' rest commence looking over the old homes. These ancestral halls assume great size after some years of occupancy and are repaired each season. During the nesting period their normal peacefulness is laid aside and they display great courage when the homes are threatened. No other Hawks are allowed and some chicken farmers offer all inducements to lure a pair to the vicinity of their farms. Old birds seldom miss a strike but the youngsters often fail to capture their quarry. One reason for this is that the experienced bird will let many chances go by that he does not consider sure enough while the younger bird takes a slant at any fin which shows.

Incubation requires four weeks and when the young appear the mother stays at home and issues orders to the father who is obedient and "a real good provider" — quite in line with a desirable New England husband. The hunger whistle brings him with a fish. The children line up while the food is carefully torn into bits less than an inch long and each one is fed until all have enough, whereat the residue disappears inside Mrs. Pandion. No wonder they are protected all thru the East — any form of life that has obedient and well-behaved children deserves not only protection but all other praise imaginable!