The Ornithologist and Oölogist. Vol. VIII No. 3, March 1883 Birds: Their Nests and Eggs

In this vivid field journal the naturalist takes listeners into the woodlands of New England during a bustling spring. He records the habits of Buteos, red‑shouldered hawks and barred owls as they build, steal and defend nests, noting the astonishing numbers of squirrel prey that fuel their young. Detailed sketches of nests, egg counts and even a map of the local terrain help paint a picture of a thriving, competitive raptor community.

The narrative captures moments of tension when an owl slips into a hawk’s nest, turning the ordinary into a dramatic avian showdown. Alongside these encounters, the author shares observations of the surrounding forest—old growth, second‑growth groves, and the bustling life of red squirrels that keep the predators well fed. Listeners will feel the crisp March air, hear the distant calls of buzzards, and gain a timeless glimpse into 19th‑century birdwatching.