324 The Eagle Owl 
The larder is always an interesting feature with the Eagle 
Owl, and when there are young birds in a nest, it is sometimes 
large and varied. Five times have | found rabbits, usually with 
the head and upper portion of the body eaten ; thrice water-voles ; 
whilst in nearly every nest were remains of Peewits, Kestrels, 
YOUNG EAGLE OWLS IN NEST. 
Partridges and various small birds. The Peewits no doubt fall 
an easy prey to the great Owls, owing to their crepuscular habits. 
All who have waited for duck at flight-time know how irritating 
are the Peewits at that hour of the evening as with querulous 
cry and loudly humming wings—there is no other word to describe 
