n8 IN ft I RD- LAND 



slowly in jerks as it were, as though he were 

 suspended by an invisible cord, which is being 

 let out in lengths of about two yards at a time. 

 The Starlings below, all unconscious of danger, 

 still proceed with their quarrelling and are pecking 

 at one another. 



When the Kestrel has descended to the higher 

 branches of the tree it suddenly wheels round to 

 our side, keeping well in near the branches. 

 Recovering its balance and facing the wind, it 

 now begins to hover in earnest. With a field- 

 glass we can distinctly see every movement, and 

 even the fierce gleam of his eye, as the light falls 

 on it, for he is now only about thirty yards away. 

 Lower and lower he drops, and seems to be 

 immediately over a cow, and still the usually 

 watchful Starlings are innocently moving about 

 unconcerned. One that sees another with a tit-bit 

 attacks the owner and takes away the prize by 

 superior force ; but this is that greedy Starling's 

 last meal. The Kestrel has singled out this very 

 adventurer ; and, while hovering, seems to stop ; 

 then he is motionless in the air for a second, and 

 closing his wings he drops like a stone to seize 

 the prey. The Starling too late sees the enemy, 

 and runs under the neck of a grazing cow ; but 

 the Hawk, when almost on the ground spreads 



