OF THE HAMILTON ASSOCIATION, 179 



The Great Horned Owl is well known in Ontario, being 

 generally distributed throughout the province. During the day 

 it hides away in the deep impenetrable parts of the woods, but 

 at night sallies forth in quest of prey, and does not hesitate to 

 rob the hen roost, returning for that purpose night after night, 

 unless stopped by a snap shot in the dark, or caught in a trap 

 baited for the purpose. Individuals vary greatly in plumage, 

 so much so that they have been described as distinct species. 

 Near Hamilton I have found them varying from light silvery- 

 gray to deep fulvous -brown, I once obtained a very handsome 

 specimen in the latter dress which I was unable to utilize from 

 its having been recently in contact with a skunk. It is strictly 

 nocturnal in its habits, yet, when obliged by the attention of 

 crows or other disturbing causes to move during the day, it 

 makes good use of its eyes, and gets quickly away to the nearest 

 thicket for shelter. 



Genus NYCTEA Stephens. 



156. NYCTEA NYCTEA (Linn.). 376 



Snowy Owl, 



Pure white with more or fewer blackish markings. Length, nearly 2 

 feet ; wing, 17 inches ; tail, 10. 



Hab. Northern portions of the Northern Hemisphere. In North 

 America breeding mostly north of the United States ; in winter migrating 

 south to the Middle States, straggling to South Carolina, Texas and the 

 Bermudas. 



Nest, on the ground, or on rocks. 



Eggs, 5 to 10 ; laid at intervals, so that the nest may contain young 

 birds and fresh eggs at the same time. (Coues Key). 



An irregular winter visitor to Ontario, sometimes appearing 

 in considerable numbers, and again entirely absent for several 

 years in succession. Near Hamilton its favorite resort is on 

 the Beach, or along the shore of the bay, where it may be seen 

 sitting watchful on the top of a muskrat heap, or pile of drift- 

 wood, frequently turning its head right round to look out for 

 approaching danger. It hunts by day as well as at night, but 

 is most active in the morning and evening. I once saw a large 



