Part 1 — CHAPTER XI THE OSPREY[119]
D. C. (Douglas Craven) Phillott translation
CHAPTER XI THE OSPREY[119]
[The author gives only a very brief description of the Osprey and its habits, mentioning the peculiar structure of its feet, and its habit of hovering over water. He also mentions that like the Shikra Sparrow-hawk (Pīg͟hū), and the Sangak, the iris is sometimes dark and sometimes yellow.[120] He adds:]—
I once took one alive with a chark͟h and kept it in confinement for some little time. It could not be induced to eat meat, refusing all food except fish. It is with reference to the osprey that the poet has said:—
“Thro’ the mercy of God and His tender care The sea yields her fish to the fowl of the air.”