On Birds observed in Amelia County, Virginia. 87 



about the middle of -April. On one occasion only have I met 

 with it at any other time. On the 1st of August I observed a 

 hawk, which I thought was an immature bird of this species, but 

 I am by no means sure^ of its identity, as it was very wild, and 

 would not permit an approach within several hundred yards, 

 even on horseback. 



Nisus FUSCUS (Gm.) Sharjj-shinned Eaivk — Not a very 

 common bird, but may occur, I think, at any time of the year. 



Nisus cooperi (Bohap.) Cooper's Hawh. — Rather common in 

 summer, but I have never seen it in winter. . It seems to arrive 

 in spring, and to leave in the autumn. I once watched two of 

 these hawks, that spent the whole morning, from a little after 

 sunrise, trying to catch a pileated woodpecker, who, though 

 screaming loudly at each swoop, did not seem to care much about 

 them, but went on hunting for insects all the time, merely 

 slipping round the tree when one of them struck at him. Some- 

 times he would remain still for a few minutes, as if watching 

 them, and if they were at some distance, he would flap off to 

 another tree ; but the moment they saw him on the wing, they 

 would pursue him again. About 9 A.M., I fired at and wounded 

 one of them, and the persecution ceased for the time. The wood- 

 pecker went on hammering at the trees near my house, and in 

 about half an hour, I again saw him attacked by a single hawk 

 of this species, which I suppose was one of the pair. The per- 

 sistent determination of these birds, to compass the destruction 

 of this particular woodpecker, struck me as odd ; for they could 

 easily have obtained their breakfast by pouncing on one of my 

 hens, which they not unfrequently did; indeed they are con- 

 sidered the worst of all hawks for destroying poultry. 



They are seldom found away from timber, and generally 

 frequent the borders of or the clear patches in woods, or roads 

 running through them. 



BuTEO BOREALIS (Gm.) Red-tailed Hawk. — This fine buzzard 

 is common, and remains throughout the year. It preys chiefly 

 on squirrels and hares. In spring, before the leaves are on the 

 trees, it may often be seen sitting on some tree by the roadside, 

 and will then allow you to ride close past it ; but it generally 

 recognises a gun, even on horseback. When a field covered with 

 coarse wild grass has been set on fire, I have seen several of 



