A BIRDLOVER'S YEAR 



This short-winged hawk was used in 

 falconry, being flown against blackbirds, 

 thrushes, quails, landrails, partridges, &c. 

 They were especially used in woody districts, 

 and were considered, par excellence, the hawk 

 of the poor man. In India the sparrow- 

 hawk is much prized by the native falconers 

 on account of its speed and courage, though 

 it should not be flown against too high a 

 wind. 



The Goshawk (Astur palumbarius) is now 

 no longer to be found in Britain, save as an 

 occasional wanderer. One hundred years 

 ago these birds bred in Scotland, but the 

 hostility of man has exterminated them. 

 Outside of Britain they have a wide range, 

 breeding in Sweden and Lapland. 



Goshawks were very highly prized in 

 falconry, and were flown at furred prey 

 rabbits and hares as well as at the larger 

 game birds. Instead of " stooping " at their 

 quarry, after the manner of falcons, the 

 goshawk flies along after it, and will not 

 unfrequently follow its victim into covert. 



Last on the list of the British birds of 

 prey stand the harriers, three species of 

 which were formerly accounted as common. 

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