314 The Screech Owl 



I placed them in bushes several times, just to see 

 what they would do. Both of them could fly well, but 

 they did not seem to think of it when out-of-doors. 

 When all was quiet they would remain motion- 

 less; startle one, however, and it would open its eyes 

 wide, but if the light was bright the bird would 

 quickly bring the Kds close together, forming a mere 

 slit, thus shutting out most of the light, and probably 

 by this means giving it a far clearer image of me. 

 Again being left alone for some time, it would arrange 

 its feathers and become as motionless as before, 

 keeping always the ear-tufts slightly raised. But if 

 I gradually approached, it would slowly rise to its 

 full height, at the same time elevating the ear tufts. 

 Standing in this position it resembled more nearly 

 an old stub on the limb than a bird. 



At last the owl-house was completed and placed 

 in a cherry tree in the garden. Late in the after- 

 noon the owls were put in it — free at last and with a 

 home besides. The next morning both were there; but 

 whether they had been out during the night I could 

 not say. The second morning Billy was gone, and 

 although I looked about I failed to find his hiding- 

 place. In the afternoon I was working in the garden, 

 and an old robin, that had a nest in the next yard, 

 was making a great disturbance. I could see no 



