16 FIELD-NOTES FOR THE YEAR. CH. XXI. 



osprey, is sometimes seen soaring, with its kestrel- 

 like flight, along the course of the river. I occa- 

 sionally see one hovering over the lower pools ; but, 

 in general, this bird is seen only in transits from 

 one side of the country to the other. The golden 

 eagle, too, passes on his way at this season from 

 north to south, frequently attended by a rabble 

 rout of gray crows, who, when they have pursued 

 the kingly bird for a certain distance, give up the 

 chase, which is immediately taken up by a fresh 

 band, who in their turn pass him over to new 

 assailants. It would appear that each set follows 

 him as long as he is within what seems their own 

 especial district, like country constables passing 

 on a sturdy vagrant from one parish to another. 



