Gail,

I don't know for sure what the dewfall-hawk is, but my guess is a nightjar (European nightjar) since they are nocturnal and were common in southern England in Hardy's day.

Dave


-----Original Message-----
From: Maryland Birds & Birding [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
Behalf Of Gail Frantz
Sent: Saturday, April 26, 2008 7:30 AM
To: 
Subject: [MDOSPREY] Hardy and the Dewfall-hawk


Anyone out there know which bird Thomas Hardy was referring to in,
Afterwards, when he wrote:

If it be in the dusk when, like an eyelid's soundless blink,
   The dewfall-hawk comes crossing the shades to alight
Upon the wind-warped upland thorn, a gazer may think,
   'To him this must have been a familiar sight.'

Thanks,

Gail Frantz
Old Hanover Rd
Reisterstown, MD




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