OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 213 



trance into a new territory, this species may be shy and 

 reserved, and, consequently, ma)- only nidificate in out-of- 

 the-way situations. Familiarity with the country and its hu- 

 man denizens, acquired by a few years' experience, may op- 

 erate towards a change of habits and disposition. Distrust- 

 fulness will then give pice to confidence, and more of its 

 history will become known. 



Like the Long-eared Owl, this species displays but little 

 timidity, and can be approached within a few paces 

 without becoming alarmed. It affects a fondness for low 

 meadow lands and pasture grounds, where it may frequently 

 be seen perched upon a decayed limb of a tall tree, in 

 the broad glare of the sun, watching for its prey. It 

 pounces upon it haw T k-like, seldom missing its aim, and bears 

 it away to a tree close by to devour at pleasure. Frequently 

 it goes abroad in search of food, skimming above meadows 

 and low fields for this purpose. Although delighting to 

 visit the customary haunts of the Barred Owl, for the field- 

 mouse which it esteems a dainty morsel, it, however, does 

 not descend to grovelling pursuits to serve its ends. Being 

 mainly found in retired situations, far from the busy haunts 

 of man. it does not restrict its visits exclusively to such 

 localities. It is an occasional visitor about the farm-yard, 

 particularly at dusk, where it is on -the alert for the vermin 

 which infest outbuildings. It has never been observed to 

 disturb the poultry. For its wholesale destruction of insects 

 and vermin, it should command the favor and clemency of 

 man." In the fur countries, Dr. Richardson affirms that it is 

 sometimes attracted by the noise of a gun, and is venture- 

 some enough when a Grouse has been shot, to pounce down 

 upon it and endeavor to bear it off, which, on account of 

 its superior size, it is not able to accomplish. As a proof of 

 its utter fearlessness, the same distinguished observer asserts 

 that it sometimes hovers round the fires kindled by the In- 

 dians at night. 



This Owl is eminently diurnal in its habits. Although 



