:::::::::C CAMPING IN A BARRANCA m::::::::: 



near the tent and seized a piece of refuse meat which 

 we had placed there. They were handsome birds, jet 

 black throughout, save for three Avhite bands on the 

 tail, at base, centre, and tip, which flashed out when 

 the feathers were spread in flight. Wherever we found 

 this hawk in Mexico, it was sure to be near a stream, 

 and three of their nests which we examined were in 

 high trees overhanging the water. 



We soon made the acquaintance of another Mexican 

 bird of prey, more handsome even than the Black Hawk, 

 and his appearance was under conditions quite as 

 sensational as our meeting with the former species. 

 A snapshot at a large hawk for identification only 

 stunned the bird, and when it showed signs of recover- 

 ing, a strong handkerchief was used to bind its feet 

 firmly together. It was a splendid Mexican Goshawk. 

 Its tail is like that of the Black species, but the beau- 

 tiful wavy bars of gray and white which mark its 

 breast and flanks are characteristic of this bird alone. 

 Even the upper parts of the plumage show faint 

 traces of these linings, and the head and eyes are 

 of noble bearino* — an ea^le in miniature. When his 

 facnlties returned to him unimpaired, he was quiet 

 for a while, but not from fear. His spirit was far from 

 being broken, and, biding his time, he made a well- 

 directed break for liberty. Away his strong wings 

 bore him, and he bit fiercely at the white bandage as 

 he flew. 



- <^ 137 #» 



