Along the Rock-bound Coast 



The Peregrine's powers on the wing are re- 

 markable, and a friend of mine at Lundy saw a 

 striking exhibition of them. The Falcon was 

 flying leisurely seawards, followed by some half- 

 dozen clamouring Crows, of whom he took not 

 the slightest notice. They were, however, per- 

 sistent in their efforts to mob him, and one, 

 bolder than the rest, flew at him. The Peregrine 

 rose in the air, made one swift stoop, and the 

 Crow fell headlong into the sea. The lesson was 

 repeated, whereon the Crows thought that dis- 

 cretion was, after all, the better part of valour, 

 and returned hurriedly to the island. 



The Peregrine is bluish-grey, barred with black 

 above, the head being blackish, barred with grey. 

 Its underparts are white, inclining to fawn colour 

 on the breast, and marked with black, except on 

 the chin and throat. The bird is, however, un- 

 mistakable owing to its size, its sharp - pointed 

 wings and rapid flight. 



Buzzards are rather more plentiful, and may 

 frequently be seen wheeling majestically in wide 

 circles high in the air, or sailing along the cliffs. 

 Their comparatively rounded wings and the 

 separation of the primaries are quite noticeable at 

 a distance, having all the appearance of ringers. 

 The general colouring above is ashy brown, 

 streaked narrowly with white on the forehead, 

 sides of the face and nape, while the underparts 

 are yellowish-white, clouded with brown on the 



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