212 BIRD- LAND ECHOES. 



the ignoble hawk or skulking owl that grabs the 

 young birds from their nest in spite of the parents' 

 protest. Both hawks and owls show their true char- 

 acters with no attempt at deception, and could, if 

 we would but learn, teach us more than one lesson 

 worth remembering. 



I like the birds of prey. It is easy to be blind to 

 what one does not approve of and accept the rest. 

 It shows deplorable weakness not to be able to do 

 this. It is necessary in other matters of much more 

 importance, so why not practise it in this phase of 

 out-door ornithology? As hunters of mice, for in- 

 stance (nobody cares for a mouse), let us observe the 

 hawks, and in that capacity greet with pleasure all 

 that cross our path, be they large or small. 



I have said that hawks are winter birds, but have 

 qualified the statement. Almost the first to appear 

 in any number, not only in the marshes, but also in 

 the pasture meadows and upland fields, is the beau- 

 tiful harrier. It is well named, for no other bird 

 more effectually harries the small birds of the bushes 

 or is more active in driving to the fastnesses of the 

 covered runways the abundant meadow-mice. Nor 

 does it usually merely frighten birds and mammals, 

 for this hawk has a quick eye and a sure grip, and 

 if there is game to be had, it never goes hungry. 

 There is nothing particularly graceful in the bird's 

 movements as compared with other hawks. Indeed, 

 it often flaps its wings as if flying were tiresome, 

 and ordinarily does not indulge in aerial gymnas- 

 tics. It is principally because these hawks are large, 



