1 64 WILD LIFE OF SCOTLAND 



When he could no longer avoid me, he made a 

 supreme effort; but, too eager to watch his 

 direction, dropped into the lake. And, not till he 

 was in danger of being drowned, would he consent 

 to loose his hold. 



When fished ashore, the object proved to be a 

 large missel-thrush. He attempts bigger prey than 

 that, but what struck me was his determination 

 not to be driven away. I had heard that the bird 

 was the maximum of spirit in the minimum of size ; 

 and here was an illustration. It was that indomit- 

 able pluck, together with a tractable disposition, 

 that made this little falcon such an excellent 

 hawker. 



The kestrel was hovering about. By the way, this 

 hawk has been known to strike the pursuing weasel 

 instead of the fleeing mouse, and suffer the usual 

 penalty. But long experience should have taught 

 the simple distinction, and this occurrence must be 

 rare. 



The rough strip of wood, on either side, was alive 

 with young birds, which the old ones were fully 

 occupied in feeding. Now is the time when the 

 hawk can lead an idle life, obtaining abundance 

 of food in the plump little fledglings, unable to 

 fly any great distance. The immense destruction 



