m'CAIJLEY on birds of the red river of TEXAS. 



685 



BuTEO SWAINSONI, Bp. — Sivainson^s Buzzard. 



Tbis maguificent Hawk was frequently seeu along streams passed, 

 and both in Red River Canon and at the very origin of the waters, far 

 up in the Staked Plain. At other times they were noted oat on the 

 level of the plain, miles from timber. 



Daring a reconnaissance up the Palo Daro, at its very source, a smal 

 spring, were found a few trees, on one of which, about fifteen feet high 

 and overhanging the water, was a nest of this Hawk with one of the 

 parent birds upon it. As we rode, up the bird quietly withdrew; but 

 being interested in our visit, perched upon a cliff near by, where there 

 was a commanding view, distant about 300 yards. After an attempt 

 to get within range, which was unsuccessful, the bird left at once. 

 Instead of circling about and descending to some other and more dis- 

 tant point of view, nothing was seen of the Hawk daring an hour, occu- 

 pied in rest and a lunch, and it seemed likely that we must wait for 

 several hours at the least for its return. The nest at the top of the 

 tree, where it was well exposed to view, was then rifled of its contents, 

 a single egg. Desirous of obtaining the i^arent by fair or foul means, 

 a stone of the same size wrapped in white paper was left in its place- 

 One of the party, with his carbine, being concealed in the undergrowth 

 by the w^ater and below the nest, all the others with the horses wore 

 withdrawn to the distance of over a mile. Shortly, both the old 

 birds appeared at an immense height, and soon came nearer, sweeping 

 around in graceful circles. After gradual descent, and an apparent 

 consultation, the proprietor of the original egg, deceived by appear- 

 ances, and influenced by parental feelings, took place cautiously upon 

 the nest, and was secured by a carbine shot. 



The nest was built in the usual style of large rapacious birds, in one 

 of the main crotches of the tree, and of twigs from one-fourth to one- 

 third of an inch in thickness; above was a scant layer of leaves taken from 

 the tree. The egg is of a slightly bluish or a very dull white, with spots 

 of a rusty brown; the major and transverse axes 2.24 by 1.73 inches. 



