SJVOIP'V OWL. 



163 



susliks are largely consumed. Wherever lemmings are on the move, numbers 

 of snowy owls are sure to collect. In America these birds will often take the 

 musquash from the trap, and in both hemispheres they have been known to fish. 

 The nest is usually placed on the bare ground, in a spot raised somewhat above 

 the general level of the plain, but it may be situated on a ledge of rock. It is a 

 poor affair in the way of structure, the eggs resting merely on a few feathers. 



sxowY OWL AND LAi'i' OWL (J nat. size). 



The usual number of eggs is from four to seven, but in seasons wlien lennning are 

 numerous as many as ten may be laid at considerable intervals of time. Incubation 

 commences with the first Qg^, so that eggs and young are frequently found in the 

 nest together. While the female is sitting, the cock-bird remains on the watch 

 near by, and gives the alarm in case of danger. According to Mr. Turner's 

 observations, the old birds, and more especially the female, exhibit great boldness 

 in defence of their nests, flying close to the head of an intruder with outstretched 

 talons and snapping beaks. In such cases the natives are reported to seize hold of 



