CHAPTER ELEVEN BIRDS OF PREY 



course a lark, or even swallow, in the air, the two hawks as- 

 sisting each other in the most systematic manner. First one 

 hawk chases the unfortunate bird for a short time, while 

 his companion hovers quietly at hand; in a minute or so, 

 the latter relieves his fellow-hunter, who in his turn rests. 

 In this way they soon tire out the lark or swallow; and cat- 

 ching the poor bird in mid-air, one of the hawks flies away 

 with him, leaving his companion to hunt alone till his 

 return from feeding their young brood. 



The hobby, a beautiful little hawk, like a miniature 

 peregrine falcon, is not very common here, though I have 

 occasionally killed it. This kind of hawk leaves us before 

 the winter. I have seen its nest in a fir or larch tree ; but 

 they seem to be very rare here. A strong courageous bird, 

 the hobby attacks and preys on pigeons and partridges, 

 thousfh so much larger than himself 



Since the introduction of English traps and keepers, all 

 birds of prey are gradually decreasing in this country, 

 whilst blackbirds, thrushes, and other sinoina birds in- 

 crease most rapidly. In the highland districts of Moray, 

 where a few years back a blackbird or thrush was rather a 

 rare bird, owing to the skill and perseverance of game- 

 keepers and vermin-trappers in exterminating their 

 enemies, they now abound, devastating our fruit-gardens, 

 but amply repaying all the mischief they do by enlivening 

 every glade and grove with their joyous songs. This year 

 (1846) the thrushes and blackbirds were in full voice in 

 January, owing to the mildness of the winter; and I knew 

 of a thrush who was sitting on eggs during the most severe 

 storm of snow that we have had the whole season. 



