RAPACIOUS BIRDS. 53 



mounted to their nest, while the parents sailed off 

 upon the rising breeze to procure them a meal. 



To black fowls the eagles appear particularly 

 attached; and the villagers avoid as much as 

 possible, rearing any of that colour. These birds 

 are also extremely destructive to fish, and parti- 

 cularly so to salmon, as they are constantly seen 

 watching the fords in the spawning season, and 

 seizing and carrying off the fish. In the pursuit 

 of hares they show a degree of intelligence that 

 appears extraordinary, coursing them with great 

 judgment and certain success ; one bird is the 

 active follower, while the other remains in reserve, 

 at the distance of forty or fifty yards. If the hare 

 by a sudden turn, free himself from his most 

 pressing enemy, the second bird instantly takes 

 up the chase, and thus prevents the victim from 

 having a moment's respite. 



When engaged in fishing they pursue a similar 

 mode. Choosing a ford upon some rivulet, and 

 posted on either side, they wait patiently for the 

 salmon to pass over, and their watch is rarely 

 fruitless. 



Mr. White, of Selborne, thus admirably pictures 

 the various modes of flight in birds of prey. 

 "Kites and buzzards sail round in circles, with 

 wings expanded and motionless ; and it is from 

 their gliding manner that the former are still 



