OWLS. 



180 



a nest containing only two unfledged 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 he met with upon wild heaths and com- 

 mons, concealed in rushy places or long grass: a 

 pair, and sometimes more, possibly the brood of the 

 preceding spring, are usually found frequenting 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 at 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. 



Eye and Bill of the Owl. Head of 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 difficulty the opening or 

 shutting of the mandibles can be observed. As it is 

 a bird of courage, the sportsman must be cautious 

 how he attempts to handle it, for it has been known 



