THE AMERICAN LONG-EARED OWL. 375 



in Ohio, altho they certainly bred here in Audubon's time, I may perhaps be 

 pardoned for drawing upon my experience in a region where they are now 

 much more plentiful, namely, in Eastern Washington. There nests containing 

 eggs were found indifferently in April, May, or June, altho those found in 

 June probably contained second broods. Deserted nests of the Magpie or Crow 

 were invariably used by the Owls, and then only those to be found at moderate 

 heights in swamp willow thickets. The eggs, from four to six in number, are 

 normally a delicate, clear white, but they soon become nest-stained and are 

 often blood-marked. Both parents are usually at home and actively interested 

 in their nest. One instance will suffice. Having noticed a likely looking 

 Crow's nest about ten feet high in a willow clump I made toward it. Upon 

 my approach the female slipped noiseslessly from the nest and left me to plan 

 the ascent through an ugly tangle. As I started in I heard the preliminary 

 notes of a caterwauling contest, just as when Thomas remarks, "We-a-o-o- 

 a-ow" and nature catches her breath to hear what Maria will say. I paused 

 and canvassed the morale of my contemplated action ; then I hastily reviewed 

 the chances of wild-cats; and then I reached for my gun. Not until I had 

 actually seen the mother bird emitting one of those gruesome squalls could I be- 

 lieve that the noise came from an Owl. Even after doubt was set at rest the 

 cry seemed not less like the snarl of an angry feline. To add to the terrors of 

 the defensive, the husband and father came up and literally proceeded to spread 

 himself. Wings and tail were spread to the utmost and every feather was ruf- 

 fled to its fullest extent, all in a manner calculated to strike terror to the 

 boldest heart. The bird-man managed to control his nerves long enough to 

 note five eggs resting upon the accumulated refuse of a last year's Crow's 

 nest ; then hurriedly sought more congenial company. 



At another time while I was picking my way across a willow-skirted brook 

 in the Yakima country I became aware of, rather than discovered, a wee, shriv- 

 elled, craven, ill-fed Owl, a bird which evidently, at the time, desired noth- 

 ing so ardently as to be able to find a ready-made hole in the atmosphere and 

 to crawl into it. I debated with myself whether it might really be an under- 

 sized Long-eared Owl. There was nothing but the ear-tufts to show for it, for 

 the very face of the bird was pinched and wizened. I gazed until the bird 

 made sure of detection. Presto, change! The India rubber creature resumed 

 her natural appearance and made off with a great clatter, only to fall upon the 

 ground in the well known "last stages." The interest of the bird-man always 

 lies in the opposite direction from that being pursued by a self-wounded bird. 

 The owlet sat about ten feet back of me in a clump of willows. Tho only half- 

 grown, its countenance bore an expression of imperturbable gravity. After I 

 had had my laugh out at his absurd solemnity, I approached the little fellow. 

 Psst ! Instantly there were about six of him. Every feather stood on end, 

 wings extended, eyes blazing, bill snapping. Goodness gracious ! Suppose 



