OWLS. 147 



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 neigh- 

 bourhood of Bridgewater, in Somersetshire, where, during the 

 summer, such incredible numbers of mice overran the country 

 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 season 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 un- 

 fledged young ones, the remains of a Grouse and two Plovers 

 were found, besides the feet of several others. 



During their visits to this country, they are usually to be 

 met with on 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 fre- 

 quenting 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 Owls), they fix their large round eyes intently 

 on the object of their alarm. As a specimen of these Eared 

 Owls we insert a figure representing the head of the largest 

 of the family, the Long-eared Owl. 



Their note is a singular snapping noise, not issuing from 

 the throat, but occasioned entirely by a smart clicking of the 

 bill ; so rapid, indeed, is this motion, that it is with dimculty 



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