44 



BIRDS OF PREY. 



him as if half blind, and moves its head to and fro in such a manner as almost 

 to induce a belief that it is separated from the body. It follows the stranger 

 with its eyes, and should it suspect any treacherous intentions, ilics off to a 

 short distance, alighting with its back to the intruder ; but immediately turn- 

 ing about with a single jump, recommences its scrutiny. In this way it may 

 be followed to a considerable distance ; but if shot at and missed, it removes 

 itself out of reach, after which its " Whah, whah, whah"' is uttered with ludicrous 

 pomposity. 



These owls will answer the imitation of their own cries, and are frequently 

 destroyed by this artifice. Their flight is smooth, noiseless, and greatly pro- 

 tracted. They have been seen to pursue a dn-ect course for more than two 

 miles until they were lost in the distance. So very lightly do they fly, that 

 they are frequently discovered while passing over a person only a few yards 

 distant by their shadow on the ground cast by the clear moonlight, when not 

 the faintest rustling of their wings can be heard. 



