173 



Xoi'lL mountain. The last wild pij^eon observed 

 in that rej^ion hy Messrs. Otto and Herman Behr was 

 taken in the spring of 1893. The Govshawk, also the 

 C'ooper's and Sharp shinned species, in common with 

 llie Great Horned and Barred owls, destroyed great 

 numbers of pigeons. Of all these raptorial birds the 

 cruel, daring and blood-thirsty GoshaAvk was by far 

 the most persistent and deslrnctive enemy to the 

 pigeons. 



The owls, like other nocturnal mafauders, such as 

 the wild cat or bay lynx, the red fox, the mink and 

 agile weasel, all ])reyed upon the pigeons. The wea- 

 sels wonM frequently climb the tree to get the pigeons' 

 eggs and young, or often to capture the old birds when 

 at rest. ^The other mammals previously mentioned 

 depended mostly on catching squabs which fell from 

 the nests. 



WHAT GOSHAWKS PREY UPON. 



The Goshawk feeds upon chickens, turkeys, ducks, 

 grouse, quail, robins, hares and squirrels and other 

 small rodents. Although at times this bird is very 

 destructive to poultry the greatest damage done by 

 this species in the State appears to be to game, especi 

 ally gi-ouse. 



The following paragraphs concerning this daring 

 and destructive hawk are taken from Dr. A. K. Fish- 

 er's Report, Bulletin No. 3: 



"This species is one of the most daring of all the hawks, 

 and while in niirsuit of lis prey is apparently less concerned 

 by the presence of man than any other. It will dart down 

 unexpectedly at the very feet of the farmer and carry off a 

 fowl." 



The following from the pen of the late Dr. William 

 Wood u:ives evidence of its boldness; 



