BIRDS OF PREY 211 



as well as ptarmigan, ducks, and other waterfowl, and even 

 the Arctic hare, an animal fully as heavy again as the 

 owls." (Bendire.) 



This great bird nests on the ground, laying from three 

 to ten eggs. 



HAWK OWL 



The Hawk Owl is a handsome bird, shaped after the 

 manner of our falcons, but the position of the eyes, shape 

 of the tail, and habits of the bird are more in keeping with 

 those of owls. In habits, plumage, and structure, it is the 

 connecting link between hawks and owls. Its flight is 

 swift and hawk-like, but noiseless; however, these birds see 

 readily in daylight and are abroad in midday, even in our 

 brightest weather. Their favorite haunts are in the north- 

 em portions of both continents, and only during the coldest 

 weather do they find their way southward to the northern 

 border of the United States. Their food is chiefly small 

 rodents. In the fur country about Hudson Bay and the 

 Anderson River region these birds nest quite commonly. 

 The native fishermen experience perpetual daylight during 

 May, June, and July; it would therefore seem that the 

 hawk and snowy owls, being inhabitants of the Land of the 

 Midnight Sun, are of necessity diurnal. "WHien starting 

 from a high perch, the hawk owl pitches do^vn to near the 

 height of bushes or grass, and flies off just over the top of 

 the grass. 



The nests, usually placed in coniferous trees, are com- 

 posed of sticks, twigs, lined with hay, moss, and a few 

 feathers, wherein four to six white eggs are laid. This bird 



