The Olneyville tribune. (Providence, R.I.) 1893-189?, 1893-12-09
BEAR AND HAWK.

The common hen hawk, though one of
the shyest of birds, is capable OF dis
playing, on occasion, splendid audacity
and courage. 1t looks upon man with
we'll grounded suspicion, aud is there
| fore difficult TO observe; but any one
who has attempted 10 rob a hawks nest
when the owners were at home will bear
witness TO its fighting qualities.
Having an intelligent appreciation of
its own powers, as well as OF its weak
nesses, it rarely makes mistakes, and its
prudence often wins it most unde-
served reputation for cowardiness. l
| have known a wounded hen hawk TO in
/ flict an ignominious defeat upon a
! spaniel, which bore for long time the
scars OF that novel conflict.
OF all the incidents of which have
heard or read, illustrating the combined
originality and daring which hen hawk
NAV display when put upon its mettle,
none can compete with an instance whch
fell under my own observation two
summers ago, when hunting on the
upper ST. John River, in New Bruins
wick.
The neighborhood was one where bears
and blueberres were abundant, they
usually flourish together. Up long
hillside, partially wooded and thick with
blueberries, | was following fresh bear
tracks when, unexpectedly, came out
ON the brink of wide ravine. Its walls
were perhaps hundred yards apart, and
over the tree-tops, far below my feet,
was soaring a large hawk whose nest
was probably near by.
over my head marked another hawk,
which swooped, as caught sight OF 1t,
upon quarry some fifty yards away
As the bird did not rise l inferred that
it had been successful, and pushed
cautiously through the bushes to see
what it had struck. The bear-track
which was following went in the same
direction, close along the edge of the
ravine, and kept sharp lookout for
my own intended victim.
Presently, through screen Of sumach
leaves, caught sight Of the bird, tear
ing tiercely at the still struggling body
of a rabbit. AS was after larger game,
| had no desire to molest the hawk. and
was watching him with interest, it was
evidently the male, smaller bird than
the one | had first seen, when out from
a clump of fir trees, farther on, came my
bear.
The animal strolled up and calmly ap
propriated the rabbit, which was quite
too heavy for the hawk TO carry away.
Not till the bear was within ten feet OF
him did the bird relinquish his prey, and
then, with an angry yelp, he swept over
the brink of the gorge.
The bear, being well fed with blue
berries, was in no unmannerly haste to
begin his meal, aud while he stood sniff
ing at the body | waited for him to move
so that could get an effective shot. Ii
perhaps half minute my opportunity
arrived, and raised my ritle,- only &c
lower il in astonishment as | saw tn,
angry hawk descend like thunderbol
and strike the bear terrific blow on the
head.
With yelping growl of alarm ant
wrath the astonished brute whirled half
round, rising on his hind. quarters as h'
did so +; and &C the same moment the othe
hawk darted ON the prey and tried t
Garry il off. This was huge bird. will
a splendid speep of wings but she coulC
not lift the weight of that fat rabbit.
Her struggles, however, availed &
drag the prize some feet along the ground
toward the edge of the precipice, wher
bruin. recovering from his surprise an'
realizing the character of his aSsailants
sprang forward with growl and re
gained the spoil
The hawk flapped OIL sullenly, an'
bruiu, with the rabbit In his mouth, wa
turning away, when again the thunder
bolt descended on his head, almost Il
his eyes, and he dropped the body wit
a roar of rage. But this time the schem
OF the birds failed to work. for the bea
planted one grea, hind paw on his booty
, and rose to meet the next attack.
The larger hawk seemed furious at tn
, change OF tactics, and dashed like light