66 



OUR BACKDOOR NEIGHBORS 



On one occasion Father Screech Owl lost 

 his temper and struck the Naturalist on the 

 head with his sharp claws. Such a bold attack 

 by so small a bird amused him, but he was 

 more careful in his movements afterward, so 

 as not to alarm the anxious parents of the 

 downy nestlings. 



The Naturalist had made some boxes of old lumber and had fitted them up for 

 housekeeping. 



