268 



A MEKICAN ORNITHOL OGY. 



is only when the supply of the former is exhausted that they will turn 

 to the latter. The numbers of Red-tails in Massachusetts have de- 

 creased amazingly in the last few years both from the cutting off of the 

 heavy timber and through the destructive agencies of mankind. In the 

 Fall they frequently band together into flocks and migrate to the 

 southern parts of the U. S. 



I live in hopes of seeing the day when the word "Hen Hawk" will be 

 unheard, and this hawk, as well as others of the family may enjoy the 

 peace and prosperity that they deserve. When we come right down to 

 the fine points of the game, and are judging the right of a bird to 

 enjoy life solely by his usefulness in serving the ends of mankind, who 

 is to judge us, who kill beast, bird and fish merely to satisfy the de- 

 mands of a greedy appetite, or worse still "just for sport." 



Photo from life by C. A Smith. 



WESTERN-RED TAIL. 



