38 THE LOG OF THE SUN 



birds are not even distantly related to the hawks, 

 but have added a hawk's characteristics and appe- 

 tite to the insect diet of their nearest relations. 

 If ever shrikes will learn to confine their attacks 

 to English sparrows, we should offer them every 

 encouragement. 



All winter long the ebony forms of crows vibrate 

 back and forth across the cold sky. If we watch 

 them when very high up, we sometimes see them 

 sail a short distance, and without fail, a second 

 later, the clear "Caw! caw!" comes down to us, 

 the sound-waves unable to keep pace with those 

 of light, as the thunder of the storm lags behind 

 the flash. These sturdy birds seem able to stand 

 any severity of the weather, but, like Achilles, they 

 have one vulnerable point, the eyes, which, dur- 

 ing the long winter nights, must be kept deep 

 buried among the warm feathers. 



