58 CATALOGUE OF BIRDS. 



BUZZARD. (IMMATURE.) 



Case 65. 



The young Buzzards, as soon as they leave the care 

 of the parent birds, are remarkably unsuspicious of 

 danger, and are nearly certain to fall victims to the 

 first trap that comes in their way. 



When living in the west of Perthshire, I noticed, 

 one autumn during the early part of September, two 

 or three of these birds frequenting the face of a steep 

 hill; and, setting a trap on a cairn* built up for the 

 purpose, I took within twenty-four hours three young 

 Buzzards, a Cat, and a Stoat. 



The specimens in the case, which are two of the 

 above-mentioned birds, were taken in Glenlyon, in 

 Perthshire, in September, 1865. 



BUZZARD. (MATURE.) 

 Case 66. 



The Buzzard is always a lazy, indolent bird, seldom 

 striking any prey for itself which requires more exer- 

 tion to capture than a half-grown rabbit or hare ; 

 usually preferring to feed on wounded game, or those 

 that are diseased and weakly. 



When seen at a distance on the wing it bears a 

 striking resemblance to the Eagle in miniature. 



It was formerly much more abundant ; but since the 

 rage for game-preserving on an extensive scale has 

 set in, its sluggish habits and manner of feeding has 



' ;: A pile of loose stones. 



