BIRDS OF PREY 179 



Perhaps it is because owls are birds of night that 

 their good qualities are not appreciated. They are 

 active and most intelligent beings. In the strictly 

 nocturnal ones there is much difference in their bearing 

 by night and by day. The bird that is seen drawing 

 his wing over his body like a shield a mere dazed 

 lump of feathers when the sun is shining, leaves his 

 hiding-place and steps forth as bold and brave as an 

 eagle in the light of the moon. 



