CHAPTER XVI. 



THE FALCONS AND HAWKS THE BUZZARDS THE OWLS. 



THE Jer-Falcon (Jagt-Falk, or Hunting-Falcon, Sw. ; 

 Falco Islandicus, Lath.) This fine bird is common in 

 the alpine regions of the more northern portion of Scandi- 

 navia, as far up as the North Cape. The old birds remain 

 in the north all the year round ; but the young ones a 

 portion of them at least migrate occasionally to more 

 southern climes, and, if I mistake not, were more than once 

 seen in my neighbourhood. 



The resorts of the jer-falcon, in the summer at least, are 

 wild and mountainous districts. In the forest it is then 

 never to be found. As with others of the hawk tribe, 

 almost everything is game that comes to its net ; but it 

 is a special enemy to the Ripa (a species of grouse), and has, 

 therefore, obtained the name of Rip-Folk. When pursued 

 by this its mortal enemy, the Ripa at times flies for shelter 

 to the very tent of the Laplander. 



