Resident Birds. 265 



THE SHORT-EARED OWL (Strix brachyotus), i., 23. 

 Frequently found on the mosses. Two upon Trafford 

 Moss in the winter of 1858-9. 



THE WHITE OR BARN OWL (Strix flammea), L, 29. 

 Common. The most frequent, familiar, and useful of 

 the British owls, being a great destroyer of mice and 

 young rats, therefore especially valuable to farmers 

 who have granaries. Often laughed at because of 

 its "stupid" look, the owl is a bird of consummate 

 interest. The great size of the eyes is adapted 

 to the small amount of light in which they are 

 usually to be employed. In the broad light of 

 day the poor creature is dazzled, and may well look 

 irrational. Mark also the beautiful fringe around 

 the eyes. This prevents the interference of lateral 

 light, and the bird can concentrate the whole of its 

 power upon what lies immediately before it, just as 

 we ourselves shade the eye with the hand, and curve 

 the fingers, when we want to examine some distant 

 object more particularly. 



THE SONG THRUSH (Turdus musicus), iii., 127. 



Everywhere in the district, and its sweet voice known 

 to every one. In congenial seasons it begins to sing 

 in February. The nests, with the eggs, are brought 

 every year to the market for sale. In the work of 

 no creatures more than of birds, as in higher circles 

 of life, is there more of " love's labour lost." But 

 to balance extreme lack of wisdom, so great in the 



