io6 Handbook of Nature-Study 



It then begins its toilet. It dresses its feathers with its short beak, 

 nibbUng industriously in the fluff; it scratches its under parts and breast 

 with its bill, then cleans the bill with its toot, meanwhile moving the head 

 up and down as if in an attempt to see better its surroundings. 



The owls are loyal lovers and are said to remain mated through life, 

 the twain being very devoted to their nests and nestlings. Sometimes 

 the two wise-looking little parents sit together on the eggs, a most happy 

 way to pass the wearisome incubation period. 



The screech owls winter in the north and they are distinctly fore- 

 sighted in preparing for winter. They have often been observed catching 

 mice, during the late fall, and placing them in some hollow tree for cold 

 storage, whence they may be taken in time of need. Their food consists 

 to some extent of insects, especially night-flying moths and beetles, also 

 caterpillars and grasshoppers. However, the larger part of their food is 

 mice; sometimes sniall birds are caught and the English sparrow is a fre- 

 quent victim. Chickens are rarely taken, except when small, since this 

 owlet is not as long as a robin. It swallows its quarry as whole as possi- 

 ble, trusting to its inner organs to do the sifting and selecting. Later it 

 throws up pellets of the indigestible bones, hair, etc. Ey the study of 

 these pellets, found under owl roosts, the scientists have been able to 

 determine the natural food of the bird, and they all unite in assuring us 

 that the screech owl does the farmer much more good than harm, since it 

 feeds so largely upon creatures which destroy his crops. 



LESSON XXV 

 The Screech Owl 



Leading thought — This owl is especially adapted to get its prey at night. 

 It feeds largely on field mice, grasshoppers, caterpillars and other in- 

 jurious insects and is therefore the friend of the farmer. 



Method — This lesson should begin when the children first hear the cry 

 of this owl; and an owlet in captivity is a fascinating object for the 

 children to observe. However, it is so important that the children learn 

 the habits of this owl that the teacher is advised to hinge the lesson on any 

 observation whatever made by the pupils, and ilhistrate it with pictures 

 and stories. 



Observations — i. Have you ever heard the screech owl? At what 

 time of the day or night? Why was this? Why does the owl screech? 

 How did you feel when listening to the owl's song ? ^ 



2. Describe the owl's eyes. Are they adapted to see by night? 

 What changes take place in them to enable the owl to see by daytime also? 

 In what way are the owl's eyes similar to the cat's? Why is it necessary 

 for an owl to see at night? Are the owl's eyes placed so that they can 

 see at the sides like other birds. How does it see an object at the sides or 

 behind it? 



3. Note the owl's beak. For what purpose is a hooked beak? How 

 does the owl use its beak ? Why do we think that the owl looks wise ? 



4. Describe the feet and claws of the screech owl. What are such 

 sharp hooked claws meant for? Does an owl on a perch always have three 

 toes directed forward and one backward ? 



