Page:DawsonOrnithologicalMiscVol1.djvu/100

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HALIÆETUS ALBICILLA.

(Sea-Eagle.)


"I chose an Eagle, and did avoid a Puttock."
Cymbeline, Act i. Sc. 2.


John Wolley, the naturalist, in the 'Ootheca Wolleyana,' recommends any man who wishes to enjoy the beauties of a wild coast in perfection to seat himself in the nest of the Sea-Eagle. After having served his time and risen to fame in the Alpine Club he could not do better.

Mem.—"27 Aug. 1869. To-day saw a Sea-Eagle on the wing at Talisker Head, Skye. Here was its nest last spring, which the shepherds destroyed by means of throwing burning peats into it from above. On the other side of the same cliff is a raven's nest, which I remarked as being in a situation quite impossible to get at even with a rope. The Eagle soon left us ; and we entered a famous cave, the abode of otters ; but though we had two good otter-dogs, both named Doran (father and son), we did nothing : the cairn was closed, and otters gone. There was so much swell that we had great difficulty in getting into the boat ; a sea-fog came on, and a very large old Gull (Larus marinus), a bird we had winged, seized young Doran, when a general scramble took place. Sept. 2. Observed the same Eagle round Wia Island, rather near, and watched it a long time : saw it skim along without motion of the wing, and then flap slowly away. We found plenty of Grouse notwithstanding. The rabbits, which are abundant, must fatten this bird."

"A large Eagle, which has been flying about in the vicinity of Arundel, to the terror of many, was shot on Friday last by Mr. W. Ottley, the head gamekeeper of His Grace the Duke of Norfolk. Since the singular visitor has been in the neighbourhood he has been aimed at by