the course of a year cannot fall very far 
short of ten thousand. To these it adds 
a large quantity of cockchafers and the 
bigger caterpillars, some of which, at least, are highly. in- 
jurious ; so that the value of its services to the agriculturist 
can hardly be over-estimated. 
Even from a distance this bird can be easily recognised, 
owing to its curious habit of hovering in mid-air—always 
with its head to the wind—as though it were poised on 
invisible wires. For a few moments it remains absolutely 
motionless, save for the rapid vibration of its wings. Hence 
its alternative title of ‘“‘ windhover.” It then 
shifts its position by a few yards and hovers 
as before, intently scanning every inch of 
; 
ele the ground beneath it for any movement 
ae “ of the grass which may betoken the presence 
s “\ of a mouse. In this way it will search the 
SS..." entire surface of a large field and few indeed 
" Se __.. are the small rodents which escape the keen- 
S ess of its telescopic vision. 
=—s Kestrels are to a certain 
extent migratory. Except 
during the breeding season, 
they are constantly moving 
. from one part of the country 
to another, while large 
