33 
In the supplement to the Ornithological 
Dictionary, Montague observes, that " shy 
and guarded as birds of prey usually are, it 
is curious to observe how totally they are off 
their guard when intent upon their prey, 
especially if pressed by hunger. A remark- 
able instance of this (says the Rev. Mr. 
Wheatear, in a letter to the author) occurred 
at a farm-house in the neighbourhood of 
Hastings, and will serve as a proof. A ser- 
vant girl, the only person in it, was alarmed 
by an unusual uproar amongst the poultry; 
on looking out, she saw a large bird hovering 
close to the window, over some coops, in 
which were some broods of ducks and chic- 
kens. Upon this, she sallied forth to drive the 
bird away, but it took so little notice of her, 
that she snatched up a broom, and actually 
knocked it down and killed it. It proved 
to be a Kite, which had probably a nest in 
a neighbouring wood." 
The same author mentions an anecdote 
of two of these birds being so intent in 
combat for the softer sex, that they both 
fell to the ground, holding firmly by each 
other's talons, and actually suffered them- 
E 
