OBSERVED IN HERTFORDSHIRE IN 1902. 
35 
This magnificent “ hunting hawk,” as it is called in some districts, 
takes toll on “ducks, waders, sea-fowl (especiallypuffins), pigeons, 
grouse, partridges, lapwings, hooded crows, rooks, choughs, magpies, 
jays, and even kestrels, while it sometimes sweeps rabbits off the 
side of a cliff.” From this comprehensive bill of fare our smaller 
birds seem mercifully excluded. 
I feel that I cannot help quoting the subjoined passage from 
the pen of Mr. W. H. Hudson. He says: “ This famed bird is of 
a handsome appearance, not swallow-like as is the kite, nor so 
massive as the eagle ; but nature in fashioning it has observed 
the golden mean, and the result is a being so well-balanced in all 
its parts and so admirably adapted for speed, strength, and 
endurance, that to many minds it has seemed the most perfect 
among winged creatures. When standing perched on a crag, erect 
and motionless, as its custom is, its smooth and compact figure looks 
as if carved out of a stone or marble of a beautiful soft grey tint. 
The wings are sharp-pointed, and the flight is exceedingly rapid. 
II It has always seemed to me that the peregrine, alone among 
hawks, possessed a courage commensurate with its strength ; and, 
in hunting, an infallible judgment. However swift of wing its 
quarry might be, it was almost invariably overtaken and struck 
to the earth; and the bird thus vanquished was in many cases 
the equal, and sometimes even the superior, in weight to the 
falcon. All other hawks make frequent mistakes, and often fail 
in their efforts; they chase birds they cannot overtake, and attack 
others that are too strong for them ; and occasionally their courage 
fails, and they pass by the healthy and strong to attack the wounded 
or weak that are incapable of making an effort.” 
Finally, let me remark that the average length of the female 
peregrine is given as 18 inches, the male 3 inches less. The 
specimens exhibited must therefore be considered rather fine ones, 
as they measure respectively 22f inches and 22 inches. 
Since the above paragraph was written I have been informed 
by Mr. E. P. Thompson, of Elstree, that a peregrine was seen at 
the Reservoir in October last, and that the bird is still haunting 
the neighbourhood. 
3. Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator ).—The Hon. Walter 
Rothschild informs me that a pair of these birds were shot in 
November, 1901, at Tiring. This species has been recorded only 
once previously in the county (Munden, 1840-50). 
General Notes. 
Ring-Ouzel (Turdus torquatus). —I am informed that this 
interesting bird has nested at Gorhambury, St. Albans, during the 
past year. This is the first occasion on which it has been recorded 
as breeding in the county. Specimens are frequently seen at the 
spring and autumn migrations. 
Nightingale (Laulias luscinia ).—It is gratifying to be able to 
record that this favourite, though, fortunately for itself, little-known 
bird (apart from its song) was one of the most numerous summer 
