THE NEW SPORT OF " HAWKING " 261 



squirrel's nest as a foundation. They are apt either to use 

 their last season's nest or build another near it. There is 

 a peculiar appearance about a new hawk's nest. Only sticks 

 are used, except for the inside lining. In the old nest the 

 material is rotted and matted together ; in the new each stick 

 has an individuality, and stands out from the rest. Often the 

 ends of the sticks are newly broken, hence light in color, and 

 there is a general look of freshness about the whole. Best of 

 all signs, in most cases, though not always, some shreds 

 of downy feathers cling to the occupied nest, or to the branches 

 near it, more and more as incubation advances. 



A blow or two on the tree-trunk will often banish doubt by 

 starting the incubating hawk, but it is well to make as little 

 noise as possible. Some individuals are exceedingly shy, and 

 will not await a near approach. One Red-shouldered Hawk, 

 whose nest I used to visit, would leave the nest and flit 

 silently off as soon as she heard me coming. It was only 

 by extreme stealth that I could catch even a fleeting glimpse 

 of her. To pound trees indiscriminately would drive away 

 all such birds long before the seekers came within sight of 

 the nest. On the other hand, occasionally, and notably on a 

 rainy day, the hawk will not move a feather for all the pound- 

 ing one can do. To obviate the need of pounding the trees, 

 and as more sure to flush the sitting bird, I have often used 

 a rubber sling-shot, and a pocketful of small pebbles, which 

 last can be replenished by the roadside. Many a fine hawk 

 have I seen leave the nest in a hurry, even when the stone 

 did not strike its mark, but simply whizzed by. It is often 

 puzzling to know when it is best to climb to a nest. All we 

 can do is to look sharp for signs, and act accordingly. I used 

 to climb whenever in doubt, but after ascending about a thou- 

 sand tall trees for nothing, I am now content, in most cases, 

 to await further evidence. 



