OWLS. 13 



have been obtained at Bere Heath in 1871, at Stud- 

 land, at Kempston, and on Wareham Heath in 1873. 

 A male was shot near Wareham in July 1885, and 

 in June 1887 a nest with four eggs, from which the 

 hen bird rose, was found in a clover field at Winter- 

 bourne Kingston. 



FAM. STRIGID.E. 



TAWNY OWL SMx aluco, L. 



Yarrell, i. p. 146; Seebohm, i. p. 154; Pulteneifs List, p. 4; 

 Syrnium aluco, Harting, p. 8; Dresser, v. p. 271; Ibis 

 List, p. 87. 



This owl is abundant in the wooded districts and 

 parks of the county. 



BARN-OWL. Aluco flammeus, (L.) 



Yarrell, i. p. 194 ; Seebohm, i. p. 148 ; Strix flaminea, Harting, 

 p. 8 ; Dresser, v. p. 237 ; Ibis List, p. 85 ; Pulteney's List, 

 p. 4. 



The Barn-Owl is more widely distributed than any 

 other European bird of prey, except the Peregrine ; 

 and, in spite of its conspicuous plumage, escapes 

 extermination owing to its nocturnal habits. It is 

 very active in the dusk of evening, and can fly with 

 great rapidity. On the appearance of a dog, it will 

 cross and recross its path with the apparent inten- 

 tion of attack, and will almost touch its head with 

 its noiseless wings, a curious and amusing sight. 

 The following in connection with this bird appeared 

 in one of our local papers : "As a man was cutting 



