( 382 ) 



SNOWY OWL. 



Strix nyctea, Linn. 



PLATE CXXI. Vol. II. p. 135. 



This beautiful bird frequents the most arctic lands that have been 

 visited, and, according to Dr Richardson, " retires with the Ptarmi- 

 gan, upon which it preys, to more sheltered districts, in the winter. 

 Even in this latter season, it is frequently seen within the confines of 

 the arctic circle. It hunts in the day. When seen in the barren 

 grounds, it was generally squatting on the earth, and if put up, it alighted 

 again after a short flight, but was always so wary as to be approached 

 with great difficulty. In the woody districts it shews less caution, and 

 has been known to watch the Grouse-shooter to despoil him of his game. 

 It preys on lemmings, hares, and birds, particularly the Willow Grouse 

 and Ptarmigan. It makes its nest on the ground, and lays three or 

 four eggs, of which two only are in general hatched."" 



My friend Thomas MacCdllcoh, Esq. of Pictou, has favoured me 

 with the following interesting notice respecting this species : — " When 

 in London, I mentioned to you, that during my passage from Pictou to 

 Hull, in November 1834, I had seen a Snowy Owl at a considerable 

 distance at sea. When the bird was first observed, I thought that it 

 had wandered, and would immediately make for the vessel, but though 

 it passed close by us repeatedly, it shewed no disposition whatever to 

 alight. By the ship's reckoning we were then upwards of 200 miles 

 from the nearest point of Newfoundland, and notwithstanding the dis- 

 tance which the Owl must have traversed in its irregular course, it 

 shewed no symptom of fatigue, but skimmed as dexterously along the 

 deep trough of the rolling waves, or rose as freely over their huge white 

 crests as if it had been merely coursing the surface of its native hills. 

 I did not, however, observe it attempt to lift anything from the water, 

 though from the care with which it scanned the surface, it was evi- 

 dently in search of food. Fish seemed to be the object of its search, 

 for it never attempted to interfere with any of the numerous water- 

 fowl by which it was surrounded, nor did they on the other hand appear 

 in the least degree alarmed by its presence. There could not be, I am 



