General Notes 465 



GENERAL NOTES 



NORTHERN PHALAROPE IN MAHONING COUNTY, OHIO. 



A Northern Phalarope {Lotipes lobatus) was seen by the writer 

 at Pine Lake, Mahoning County, Ohio, October 9th, 1915. 



The bird spent part of the time on the shore feeding, and part 

 in floating on the choppy surface of the lake, about two feet from 

 the shore. It took to the water possibly for recreation or diver- 

 sion, as it was not seen to take food while in the water. 



It was most pleasing to see this small shorebird swimming with 

 such surprising ease and grace. This is the first known record 

 for this species in Mahoning County. 



John P. Young. 



SCREECH OWL OCCUPYING A BOX. 



Early this spring I constructed from fir lumber a large nest box 

 according to design No. 19 in U. S. Bulletin, " Bird boxes and how 

 to build them." This box is large enough for sparrow hawks and 

 screech owls, and was privately dedicated to the use of a screech 

 owl, who seemed to be staying in the neighborhood. Until re- 

 cently there were no signs of occupancy. The past few weeks the 

 owl has been giving his peculiar vocal selections, morning and eve- 

 ning, from the group of trees where the box is hung, and a few 

 days ago I was fortunate enough to find him peering out into the 

 dusk, awaiting a favorable time to begin his nocturnal hunting. 

 Since then he can be seen every evening, his oddly shaped head 

 having the appearance of a kitten looking out of the hole. 



A couple of largest size Perry boxes have hung in these trees 

 for a year or so, but either the openings are not quite large enough, 

 or the locations are in some way unsuitable, as they have never 

 been used. The board box now occupied is placed in a thick part 

 of the tree, facing southeast. This direction protects the opening 

 from our coldest winds, as well as the heat and sunshine of most 

 of the day. I feel much gratified to know this interesting and val- 

 uable feathered guest has accepted my hospitality, and joined the 

 other birds who make our yard their winter home. 



Although screech owls are common enough in all towns, reports 

 of their occupying boxes are not often seen, and I venture to men- 

 tion this instance to the Wilson Club, for the benefit of others who 

 may be cultivating their acquaintance. 



Iowa, Nov. 1915. T. H. W. 



