"An Aerial Duel"

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22142, 22 June 1935, Page 4 (Supplement)

"An Aerial Duel"

By NORAH BENN

While wo were leisurely enjoying a cup of tea before commencing our evening milking, we were interrupted by Mother, who called us outside to watch an aerial contest between birds. Mother had gone outside a moment previously to replenish the kettle from an outdoor tap and was returning when her attention was attracted by an unusual sound above. Glancing up she saw a hawk and a gull engaged in a duel and called to us to watch the conflict. At first the two competitors appeared to be evenly matched, but presently the seagull showed signs of gaining on the hawk. It was the first time I have 6een or heard of a bird attacking a hawk singly, usually there are at least two, before they will attempt to resist the power of a hawk. However, the gull managed its opponent without any difficulty or assistance, and gradually the flight of the hawk became less swift as the gull rapidly attacked. The movements of both birds became apparent as they both kept ascending. Both were manoeuvring to attack above the opponent, and as the hawk glided higher, endeavouring to be above the gull, the gull with a flit or two of its wings had risen twice the height the hawk had glided, in half the time. The gull made a series of savage dives at the head of the hawk, who endeavoured to retaliate, but owing to the swift flight of the gull, and its own failure to rise without gliding, it began to lose rapidly. After a while we noticed the hawk was flying fullout, while it also had reached the limit of its altitude, while on the other hand the gull was only cruising and could, if necessary, still go higher. They were little more than mere dots to the naked eye, though the gull still swooped spitefully at the hawk. Presently both contestants lowered their altitudes as the hawk, who was losing, contrived to retreat. The gull quickly realised this manoeuvcr and strove to avoid it, but was successful only for a short time and, after a swift bout, the two contestants concluded their spectacular dual. Appearing to swoop toward ench other they turned, the hawk heading swiftly for the distant hills, for a moment the gull hesitated, perhaps wondering whether to renew the chase, then turned seaward. It was the most interesting combat I have ever witnessed.