24 



FUKTHEK OBSERVATIONS ON MINNESOTA BIRDS: 



Rabbits, gophers, muskrats, field mice, and other night-prowling 

 animals represent a large share of the diet of this owl ; poultry, 

 too, if farmers allow their turkeys and chickens to roost in tops 

 of trees, on sheds, or on exposed farm wagons. Even skunks 

 (note the illustration) are highly prized by them for food; in fact. 



Great Homed Owl 



when captured, they are frequently strongly scented with skunk 

 odor. With the exception of the skunk, which is ordinarily a use- 

 ful citizen, the other mammals mentioned must be regarded as 

 injurious — most of them decidedly so; hence this owl is, to a 

 large degree, a benefactor. 



