OWLS. 159 



food in a bright moonlight night, that we can scarcely 

 be surprised at the strange opinions and prejudices of 

 ignorant or superstitious people. Generally speaking, 

 however, a more harmless, we may say a more useful, 

 race of birds does not exist ; since, with the exception 

 of one or two of the larger and rarer species, their food 

 consists entirely of vermin and insects, very prejudicial 

 to our crops, and which, but for these nocturnal hunters, 

 might do serious mischief. A striking instance of their 

 utility occurred some years ago in the neighbourhood of 

 Bridge water, in Somersetshire, where, during the sum- 

 mer, such incredible numbers of mice overran the coun- 

 try as to destroy a large portion of vegetation ; and their 

 ravages might have extended to an alarming degree, had 

 it not been for a sudden assemblage of Owls, which 

 resorted from all parts to prey upon them. Short-eared 

 Owls (Strix brachyotos), to the number of twenty-eight, 

 have been counted in a single field, collected together, 

 no doubt, by swarms of mice, which in a favourable sea- 

 son had been bred there. This particular Owl only 

 frequents England between the months of October and 

 April, migrating in the spring to the northern islands of 

 Scotland, where they breed. Its usual and favourite 

 food is, as we have observed, field-mice ; but they are 

 bold, powerful birds, and, when their young are to be 

 provided for, will chase Pigeons, and even larger birds, 

 in the open day, particularly if the weather is gloomy. 

 In a nest containing only two unfledged young ones, the 

 remains of a Grouse and two Plovers were found, be- 

 sides the feet of several others. 



During their visits to this country, they are usually 

 to be met with upon wild heaths and commons, concealed 

 in rushy places or long grass : a pair, and sometimes 

 more, possibly the brood of the preceding spring, are 

 usually found frequenting the same haunts. When first 

 disturbed, they seldom fly far, but either hover over the 

 dog, if there be one, or alight, and raising their two odd 

 feathery horns (from whence they are called Eared 



