68 WILD LIFE IN THE TREE TOPS 



their extraordinary wing power, and their perfect control. What sort of a 

 flight then must that be of a Hobby in pursuit of one of them ? 



And who can say that the Hobby lacks courage, or is stupid ? 



I last saw the young Hobbies on August 23rd, and watched them for some 

 time as they soared in huge circles at the usual elevation. At length one of 

 the parents — the female, I should think, put in an appearance, and for some 

 little time flew above them screaming. Soon I saw one of the young ones 

 swing up to her in the air and take something from her talons. I have seen 

 young Peregrines thus take food from the parents, but at nothing like the height 

 at which the Hobbies were flying. 



Having secured the meal the young Hobby half closed its wings, and 

 dropped with terrific speed to the home wood, and into the home tree. 



Doubtless the young Hobbies, like young Kestrels and Sparrow-hawks, 

 continue to use the nest as a feeding-place for some time after they are able 

 to fly. 



