BIRD PARADISE 109 



I heard the commotion and soon discovered that 

 the fellow had not only missed his aim but was 

 made the mark of all the birds in this part of 

 the village. When I saw him he was rushing 

 hither and thither, a dozen birds and more help- 

 ing him to move with unusual celerity. Their 

 methods of attack varied. The robins flew full 

 tilt against him while the sparrows gave loose 

 rein to their voices, but keeping at a respectful 

 distance from their active enemy. The swallows 

 were the most venturesome. Some of the chim- 

 ney species went far up into the air, dropping 

 down upon the hawk much to the fellow's dis- 

 comfort. After a few moments the hawk found 

 his bearings, and went rapidly off to the swamp 

 — no doubt glad to escape even though the feast 

 he had anticipated lacked its principal viand. I 

 know full well that the hawk is shaping his 

 course aright when he levies on his fellow birds, 

 making them contribute all that they are to sat- 

 isfy his needs, but at the same time I have a de- 

 cided feeling of pleasure when he fails to carry 

 out his plans. 



If early all young swallows are now on the wing. 

 I notice frequently a family of the fellows sitting 

 quietly on the telephone wires, the children busy 



