118 On the Occurrence of some of the Rarer Species of Birds 
only birds of his own killing. But on coming forth from his repast 
his digestion was sadly spoilt by there being no signs whatever left 
of Circus Montagui, saving the strong string to which it had been 
attached; neither could he anywhere discover it, though he spent 
most of the remaining afternoon in searching for it. Mr. Rawlence 
has in his collection a fine pair of Montagu Harriers, with three 
young birds, only a few days old when taken from the nest. These 
came from Fordingbridge, about ten miles hence. The nestlings 
are very different in colour, two being perfectly white, and one very 
blue—thus showing, at this early period, the difference between the 
two sexes. As is well-known the male bird of this species, with 
that of the Hen Harrier, does not acquire the adult plumage of 
maturity until the autumn moult of the year after they have left 
the nest, and not in the same year. So that it is interesting that 
the down of the nestling should thus give early evidence of the sex 
of the bird, while directly afterwards it assumes, for some considerable 
time, the appearance and garb of the female. 
STRIGIDZ. 
We come now to those ill-omened birds of night, the Owls— 
holding a dubious character in mens’ minds, of traditionary wisdom, 
yet foreboding evil. Mysterious denizens of the forest and the 
“solitary place ”—often heard, but seldom seen—so that many 
an individual of the species passes his sequestered life, without once 
introducing himself to his nearest human neighbour. Not that we 
need pity the shunned and fateful bird, for doubtless he enjoys his 
midnight orgies, quite as much as his sunnier friends their morning 
carols, and in cheerfully carrying out his allotted task, though it be 
in the dark, enjoys the peace of a good conscience, which makes the 
hardest fate tolerable. 
‘But to come to facts. There are ten species of Owls, inhabitants 
or visitants of our island, seven of which, at least, I can claim as 
* county members.” 
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