58



Correspondence



Sip.,— 1 cannot agree with Mr. Banks that the Owls, as a rule, utter

“ raucous ” cries, but I suppose that is a matter of taste. I have seen

no evidence to support the idea that the calls are connected with the

capture of prey, any more than that the songs of Passerine birds, the

screams of Hawks, and the various notes of Gulls or Ducks have influence

upon the animals on which they feed. I have kep>t both Barn and

Tawny Owls, and though both called frequently, the notes had no

relation to feeding time. There was often a chirrup of satisfaction on

receipt of food, but no distant screech or hoot, or even the flight call,

ki-wik, which is common to both species.


T. A. Coward.



1)R. LOVELL-KEAYS


At the moment of going to press we regret to report the serious

illness of Dr. Lovell-Keays, due to his War service. All Members

will join with the Council in expressing deep sympathy with Dr. Keays,

who has now twice acted as Secretary to the Society and has

undertaken many difficult and dangerous duties in the service of his

country.



