314 The Screech Owl 
I placed them in bushes several times, just to see 
what they would do. Both of them could fly well, but 
they did not seem to think of it when out-of-doors. 
When all was quiet they would remain motion- 
less; startle one, however, and it would open its eyes 
wide, but if the light was bright the bird would 
quickly bring the lids close together, forming a mere 
slit, thus shutting out most of the light, and probably 
by this means giving it a far clearer image of me. 
Again being left alone for some time, it would arrange 
its feathers and become as motionless as_ before, 
keeping always the ear-tufts slightly raised. But if 
I gradually approached, it would slowly rise to its 
full height, at the same time elevating the ear tufts. 
Standing in this position it resembled more nearly 
an old stub on the limb than a bird. 
At last the owl-house was completed and placed 
in a cherry tree in the garden. Late in the after- 
noon the owls were put in it—free at last and with a 
home besides. The next morning both were there; but 
whether they had been out during the night I could 
not say. The second morning Billy was gone, and 
although I looked about I failed to find his hiding- 
place. In the afternoon I was working in the garden, 
- and an old robin, that had a nest in the next yard, 
was making a great disturbance. I could see no 
