240 THE LIVE-OAKERS.
Floridas at the approach of winter. Some, however, who have gone
there with their families, remain for years in succession; although they
suffer much from the climate, by which their once good constitutions are
often greatly impaired. This was the case with the individual above
mentioned, from whom I subsequently received much friendly assistance
in my pursuits.
( 241 )
T H E GOSHAWK.
FALCO PALUMBARIUS, LINN.
P L A T E C X L I . ADULT MALE AND YOUNG MALE (WITH ADULT STANLEY HAWK).
T H E Goshawk is of rare occurrence in most parts of the United
States, and the districts of North America to which it usually retires to
breed are as yet unknown. Some individuals nestle within the Union,
others in the British provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, but
the greater part seem to proceed farther north. I saw none, however, in
Labrador, but was informed that they are plentiful in the wooded parts
of Newfoundland. On returning from the north, they make their appearance
in the Middle States about the beginning of September, and after
that season range to very great distances. I have found them rather
abundant in the lower parts of Kentucky and Indiana, and in severe
winters I have seen a few even in Louisiana. In the Great Pine Forest of
Pennsylvania, and at the Falls of Niagara, I have observed them breeding.
During autumn and winter, they are common in Maine, as well as
in Nova Scotia, where I have seen six or seven specimens that were procured
by a single person in the course of a season. At Pictou, Professor
MACCULLOCH shewed me about a dozen well mounted specimens of
both sexes, and of different ages, which he had procured in the neighbourhood.
In that country, they prey on hares, the Canada Grous, the
Ruffed Grous, and Wild Ducks. In Maine, they are so daring as to
come to the very door of the farmer's house, and carry off chickens and
ducks with such rapidity as generally to elude all attempts to shoot them.
When residing in Kentucky I shot a great number of these birds, particularly,
one cold winter, near Henderson, when I killed a dozen or more
on the ice in Canoe Creek, where I generally surprised them by approaching
the deep banks of that stream with caution, and not unfrequently
almost above them, when their escape was rendered rather difficult.
They there caught mallards with ease, and after killing them
turned them belly upwards, and ate only the flesh of the breast, pulling
the feathers with great neatness, and throwing them round the bird,
as if it had been plucked by the hand of man.
VOL. II. Q