The American Kestrel 



in Riverside C 



A DETERMINED INVESTIGATION 



sharp-spurred claws, and tree-tops serve for sentry boxes whenever the 

 birds pass that way. Telegraph poles are regarded as a special con- 

 venience, since they traverse the treeless stretches which afford no other 

 watch-tower; but fence-posts will suffice in default of more elevated 

 stations. From such points of vantage as these the birds attentively 

 watch the happenings on the ground, and dive down whenever they 

 consider that their presence is needed by mouse or grasshopper. 



The Falcon trusts, so far as his prey is concerned, to his elevated 

 position, and does not hesitate to glance freely from side to side; while the 

 wayfarer is regarded as likely as not with a frank curiosity not unmingled 

 with friendliness. 



Much time is spent, also, upon the wing, not circling after the manner 

 of Accipiters and Buteos, but in passing rapidly over the scene, or else 

 flying slowly but directly over such promising areas as grassy meadows 

 and fallow fields. Now and again the bird checks itself suddenly and 

 pauses at a good height to study a suspicious movement in the grass below. 

 It will thus flutter over one spot for a minute at a time, and then pass 

 on disappointed, or else pounce suddenly upon its prey and bear it off to 



1638 



