in praise of Owls.



163



They go to nest every year, but the only fertile egg was accidentally

broken a few days before it would have hatched. The hen sits very

closely, and is guarded and fed by her mate, who becomes very

urgent for tit-bits, such as mice and sparrows, all of which he faith¬

fully carries to his wife and puts into her beak with many polite

bows. If she refuses to take it he lays it beside her and returns to

his sentry duty. Both are tame and take food from hand, the cock

rather likes to be stroked and made a fuss of, but the hen does not

permit any familiarities. Their staple food is rabbit, varied by rats,

kittens, birds and mice. A friendly poulterer sends me fowls’ heads

and necks, which are relished as a change, but the birds soon tire of

them. Being aviary-bred they have always had dead food, and

when a live mouse was once presented to them they showed nearly

as much consternation as an old lady would under like circumstances.

In Spring, it is amusing to see an impudent pair of Cole Tits calmly

fly through the large meshed wire and collect rabbits’ fluff to line

their nest! The Owls watch the intruders with the utmost interest

and benevolence, never attempting to molest or frighten them.

Eagle Owls are very fond of bathing, and these mop up the water

in their pan like great sponges, till their feathers are so heavy they

can scarcely fly up to their lowest perch. They also enjoy sun, and

I see them sometimes with spread wings and feathers puffed out

enjoying a sun bath till they pant with heat. They are kept in a

good-sized aviary, with a shed at the back, where they can be

private when they wish, but they like to see all that goes on and

pass their remarks. The sight of a cat or dog converts them into

animated fire screens, and very magnificent they look with their

beautifully marked wings and tails expanded and their orange eyes

gleaming, as with hisses and loud snaps they follow every move¬

ment of their enemy.


They are now (January) again preparing to nest, that is to

say, the cock is making experimental “ scrapes ” and calling the hen

to look at his work. A great deal of hooting is heard from both

birds, the cock will generally hoot when I speak to him, but, as far

as I can discover, he alone utters a very loud or demoniacal kind of

cackle. I do not know its significance, but it forms a sad contrast



