BIRDS OF DUMFRIESSHIRE 207 
or breeding stock of Sparrovv-Havvks has been destroyed 
outright at least half a dozen times over. The places 
or beats of the birds thus kiUed are fiUed again each 
season by arrivals from other parts of the Western range 
of the species. This process, however, cannot go on for 
ever, and it is showing signs of coming to an end. Like 
other members of our fauna subjected to like cruel treat- 
ment continued persecution is bound to finaUy banish 
the Sparrow-Hawk."* In confirmation of this, I may 
mention that I know a wood which for upwards of twenty 
years m succession prior to 1907, annually contained a 
Sparrow-Hawk s nest. Each year the eggs were destroyed 
and the birds shot, yet the foUowing season a pair always 
?al"t,*" appearance, only to meet the same fate. Since 
1907 this favourite plantation has not been revisited, and 
the reports received from all parts of the county testify 
to the decrease of this species. 
In autumn the numbers of our birds are increased bv 
an immigration from elsewhere, and at this season of the 
year the Sparrow-Hawk is most in evidence 
The male seldom attacks a larger bird than a Black- 
bird, and the Robin and Greenfinch are its favourite 
prey. Vanous seed-eating birds, rats, and voles may be 
cited as some of the agricultural pests which the Sparrow- 
Hawk keeps in check, and though the female flies at higher 
game, and wiU pursue a Grouse or Partridge, she helps 
to thin our too numerous Wood-Pigeons. Mr. R. Service 
has said " One pair of Sparrow-Hawks in the course of 
a year on an average estate would not cause as much iniurv 
to game as would the effects of one ' bad shot ' on a bie 
shooting day."t This comparison is perhaps rather in 
vidious, and is but poor consolation to the gamekeeper 
who has to put up with the unskiUed amongst the shooting 
r I\u ^ i " SP™-Hawk having once ascer- 
tained the whereabouts of the " rearing-field," is better put 
* Trans. D. and G. Nat. HUt. Soc, December 18th, 1903. 
t Op. cit., February 16th, 1903. 
