List of Birds Examined. 65 



KESTREL. 



Falco tinrwnculus, Linn. 



During a few weeks of the year the kestrel undoubtedly does 

 considerable harm, but apart from this period it is one of the most 

 useful birds we have in its relation to agriculture. 



Archibald (3) states: "Three facts about the kestrels should 

 always be borne in mind. The first is that they very frequently 

 bring up their young within easy reach of hand-reared game 

 without taking a single chick, but, notwithstanding the temptation, 

 continue to lead a life of harmless utility. Secondly, it is only 

 during a very brief period of the game-bird's existence that any 

 danger need be apprehended from the windhover, for it will not 

 touch them except during their helpless infancy. Thirdly, through- 

 out the rest of the year the kestrel does incalculable and unmixed 

 good, by the destruction of hosts of field-mice and injurious beetles. 

 The value of farm produce thus saved from destruction is almost 

 beyond estimation. It is, therefore, a short-sighted policy to 

 exterminate such beautiful and useful birds because they do a 

 certain amount of harm, that harm being confined to a very few 

 weeks in the year." 



Smith (105) says: "The kestrel should be reckoned with the 

 owl as one of our best friends, living on young rats, mice, black 

 beetles, grasshoppers, and some small birds. Like the owl he will 

 soon be exterminated if something is not done to preserve him from 

 the gamekeeper." 



Newstead (92) examined the stomach contents of nineteen 

 specimens. He summarises them as follows: "3 contained insects 

 of the indifferent group; 9, voles; 1, mice; 1, frogs; 1, birds." 



Post-mortem Records. 



Only sixteen specimens have been examined. 



