THE EAGLE, KING OF BIRDS, AND HIS KIN 



53 



AFTER FIVE WEEKS IN THE NEST, YOUNG DUCK HAWKS TEST THEIR WINGS 



As soon as feathers began to develop, the young birds flapped their wings vigorously, 

 often tipping themselves over in the process and sending bits of down flying in all directions. 

 This nest is near Hanover, New Hampshire. 



Photographs by C. A. Proctor and B. B. Eeavitt 

 STANDING GUARD NEAR HIS NEST 



Duck hawks are strong and courageous, and this one, having just alighted on the nesting 

 shelf, seems to be challenging anyone or anything to try conclusions with him. The duck 

 hawks are the nearest American relatives of the peregrine falcons, famous hunters of the 

 Old World. 



