The Marsh Hawk 



their own interests than to allow and encourage the slaughter of this inno- 

 cent and highly useful member of the agrarian police. A farmer would 

 have as just cause to be indignant at some interloper who shoots a Marsh 

 Hawk on his premises, as at another who tramples down his wheat or 

 breaks up his gopher traps. Given adequate protection to the Marsh 

 Hawk, the Swainson and the Red-tailed Hawks, and the Burrowing Owl, 

 the "squirrel" problem would scarcely trouble the California rancher. 



As the breeding season approaches, the male Harrier, feeling the 

 impulse of the ennobling passion, mounts aloft and performs some aston- 

 ishing aerial evolutions for the delectation of his mate. He soars about at 

 a great height, screaming like a Falcon; or he suddenly lets go and comes 

 tumbling out of space head over heels, only to pull up at a safe distance 

 from the ground and listen to the admiring shrieks of his spouse. "At 

 other times," says Mr. Ernest E. Thompson, "he flies across the marsh in 

 a course which would outline a gigantic saw, each of the descending parts 

 done in a somersault, and accompanied by the screeching notes which 

 form the only love song within the range of his limited vocal powers." 

 This operation is not necessary in order to win his mate, for he is supposed 

 to have won her "for keeps" ; but, after all, it is well enough to remind her 



Taken in Washington 



NEST AND EGGS OF THE MARSH HAWK 



Photo by the A ulhor 



I&55 



