The Screech Owl 103 



We notice that here a well defined track suddenly 

 ends, and we wonder where the mouse could have 

 gone; but if we look a little closer, we find, at the end 

 of the trail on either side, a slight mark in the snow. 

 These marks were probably made by the wing-tips 

 of some night flying bird, in whose deadly grip the 

 little mouse met its end. We now examine some of 

 the cavities in the old trees, from one of which we 

 draw forth a plump, sleek screech owl. Could he 

 but talk, he would without doubt be able to explain 

 those marks in the snow, and to tell the reason why 

 the mouse would never again scamper about in the 

 moonlight, leaving behind him dainty footprints in 

 the snow. 



Since the screech owl is of such great economic 

 value, its presence in the agricultural districts should 

 be encouraged. It is not, like many other birds, 

 beneficial in one part of its range and harmful in 

 another; but in doing so much good the screech owl 

 sometimes does a little harm, for it occasionally kills 

 small birds, and has been known to attack a rufifed 

 grouse or hen, though no serious harm came to either. 

 However, this bird catching propensity of the owl is 

 very much in its favor at present, for it has developed 

 a liking for the English sparrow, and is frequently to 

 be seen about ivy covered buildings and other favorite 



