REPORT ON PLAGUE OF FIELD-VOLES IN SCOTLAND 137 



NATURAL ENEMIES OF THE VOLE. 



No phenomenon in connection with the present plague 

 of field-voles in Scotland has been more marked than the 

 presence of large numbers of the short -eared owl (Otus 

 brachyotus}. This bird, which is distributed over almost 

 every part of the globe, is a normal winter migrant to these 

 islands, appearing simultaneously with the woodcock (whence 

 it is popularly known as the " woodcock owl ") and usually 

 departing in spring. Nests in ordinary seasons are of com- 

 paratively rare occurrence in Great Britain, but in consequence 

 of the vast multiplication of their favourite food, the vole, 

 these owls have not only arrived in unusual numbers, but 

 have remained and bred freely all over the district affected, 

 laying from 8 to 1 3 eggs (though Professor Newton in his 

 edition of Yarrell's " British Birds " mentions seven as an 

 unusual number) and rearing more than one brood. The 

 shepherd on Crooked-stone, near Crauford, has counted 14 

 nests on his ground. The small wood behind the farm- 

 steading of Howpasly presented a remarkable appearance, 

 the ground being densely covered with the " pellets " or 

 " castings " of owls, composed of the fur and bones of voles. 

 Living specimens of both old and young short-eared owls 

 were produced for the inspection of your Committee at 

 Howpasly. 



The short-eared owl differs from most other owls in that 

 he hunts in daylight, and his operations can be observed ; 

 but there is no doubt that the nocturnal species are equally 

 useful to the farmer in destroying small rodents, and it 

 would be difficult to condemn too severely the foolish and 

 cruel action of those who allow or encourage the destruction 

 of this useful and beautiful family of birds. It is with much 

 satisfaction that your Committee record that many land- 

 owners and game preservers seem to have become convinced 

 in late years that owls of all sorts are not only harmless to 

 game, but most beneficial to agriculturists, and have issued 

 orders for the preservation of these birds. 



Next, and hardly second in merit, as a check upon voles 

 and mice, comes the kestrel (Falco tinnunculus], and it is to 

 be deplored that popular ignorance as to its food and habits 



