62 MY LIFE AS A NATURALIST 



tire of watching this sky-pilot hovering almost motionless in 

 the air. It always faces the wind, like the gleeful Lark, and, if 

 the result of my constant observation is any guide, the bird 

 rarely seems to come to ground for the purpose of securing food. 

 Twice only have I seen it successfully swoop earthwards, when 

 a luckless Mole and a Field Mouse were borne away. I have 

 seen the Kestrel swoop after its prey many times, but, except 

 on the two occasions mentioned, it has met with no reward. 



( 



Pia. 25. KESTREL SCOLDING SPARROWS. 



As the Kestrel hovers, it is a study of itself in a bird's mastery 

 over the air. Its clean-cut wings are spread wide apart, the head 

 is held well forward in a sloping position, and the large fan-like 

 tail admirably serves the purpose of balancer and rudder. 



One day I watched a crowd of noisy Sparrows disputing the 

 possession of some pieces of bread which had been thrown down 

 for them near an old post. The reader will be acquainted with 

 the pugnacity of the Sparrow when engaged in conflict, especially 

 when fierce pairing combats ensue in Spring. At such a time, a 

 small company of the noisy rascals will dash headlong across 

 one's path, and almost collide with any object in their direct 

 route, so intent are the birds on fighting to a successful issue. 

 On the day mentioned, whilst the Sparrows were tugging at the 

 crusts of bread, mindful of the good feed before them, but un- 

 mindful of the danger that threatened from above, a Kestrel 



