6 THE BIRDS OF DORSET, 



Although so diminutive in size, it is much prized 

 by falconers for lark-hawking. Four of these little 

 hawks passed through the hands of Mr. Rolls, bird- 

 stufFer, Weymouth, in one year (Mr. Thompson) ; 

 two shot at Glanville's Wootton (Mr. J. C. Dale) ; 

 one killed at Wareham in December 1857 ; another 

 at Lytchett Maltravers in 1872 ; two at the Roman 

 Camp, Milborne St. Andrew's, in 1878; and a pair 

 at Warmwell, near Dorchester, December 1886. 



KESTREL. Faico fimmnculus, L. 



Yarrell, i. p. 78; Harting, p. 4; Dresser, vi. p. 113; Seehohm, 

 i. p. 45 ; Pultenei/s List, p. 3 ; Tiuniuiculus alaudarius, 

 Ihis List, p. 104. 



The Kestrel is abundant with us, especially near 

 the sea, where it finds suitable and safe nesting- 

 places among the cliffs. Several may be seen on a 

 summer or autumn afternoon hovering over the furze - 

 clad summits of the neighbouring heights in search of 

 food. The ruins of Corfe Castle is a favourite haunt, 

 and it is well distributed in the wooded districts of 

 the county. As mice form its staple food, it deserves 

 more protection than it receives. The indifference 

 shown by birds in the hedgerows and farmyards on 

 the approach of a Kestrel fairly indicates that it is 

 not so great an enemy to the feathered tribe as is 

 generally supposed. Contrast the excitement and 

 alarm occasioned by a Sparrow-hawk flying overhead 

 in rapid flight, ere the experienced eye of the keeper 

 is aware of its transient presence. 



