174 GRAY LADY AND THE BIRDS 
grass. Whether they are attracted by a slight move- 
ment, or distinguish the form of their prey as it sits 
motionless, is difficult to prove, but, in any case, the 
acuteness of their vision is of a character which we are 
unable to appreciate. 
“In the spring, when new ground or meadow is broken 
by the plough, they often become very tame if not 
molested. They fly down, even alighting under the very 
horses, for an instant, in their endeavour to capture an 
unearthed mouse or insect.’”’ 
“Aren’t there any bad Hawks, then?” asked little 
Bobby, incredulously, for to him the cry of “Hawk!” 
and the sight of the hired man with the gun came together. 
“Yes, Bobby, plenty of them, even hereabouts; the 
Sharp-shinned and the Chicken or Cooper’s Hawk, both 
of them flash out of the sky and pounce cruelly on both 
game- and song-birds. And, let me tell you all something, 
though I do not wish to kill any birds needlessly, yet 
I would not let any of these Hawks, useful or otherwise, 
nest or feed near Birdland, and I should have Jacob 
frighten them away with blank cartridges, because the 
very sight of them terrifies the beautiful song-birds that 
we love, and that trust us and confide in our protection. 
“The little Screech Owls may play about if they will, 
but neither Crows, Jays, Hawks, nor English Sparrows can 
ever be welcome garden guests.”’ 
Something to remember about Hawks and Owls. — The 
female is always larger than the male! 
