The Marsh Hawk's nest is described as being built on a low branch of a tree overhanging the water. The young hawk is depicted as being fed by its parent, who brings it small fish and other prey. A visit to a quail's nest reveals that the female has laid her eggs in a hidden location, surrounded by twigs and leaves. The passage highlights the differences between the Marsh Hawk's nesting habits and those of the quail, emphasizing the hawk's adaptability and the quail's caution. The description of the young hawk's feeding is detailed and vivid, while the visit to the quail's nest serves as a contrast to the hawk's more exposed nesting site. The passage also touches on the theme of parental care, with the Marsh Hawk parent providing for its young, and the female quail taking great care to protect her eggs from predators. The overall tone is one of observation and description, with an emphasis on the natural world and the behaviors of the animals within it.
By John Burroughs · First published 1867 · Genre: Nature Writing, Non-Fiction, Wildlife Observation