The Owl Birds 
CARE 
A supply of fresh water in a large shallow vessel 
should always be at the owl’s disposal to satisfy 
thirst and for bathing. When handling the owl 
avoid its claws, and it is best to use a cloth or strong 
gloves to protect the hands, since a wound from the 
strong claws is likely to be infected with poison 
germs. 
REFERENCES 
Description of habits, in Brrps THaT HUNT AND ARE HUNTED, 
Neltje Banchan. 
“The Screech Owl,’”’ FamIt1ar WILD AnImaLs, W. J. Lottridge. 
“Snowy Visitors,” in Ways or Woop Fotk and ‘‘Kookoo- 
skoos,”’ in WILDERNEss Ways, W. J. Long. 
“The Boy and Hushwing,’’ KINDRED OF THE WILD, C. G. D. 
Roberis. 
AUDUBON EpucaTIONAL LEAFLETS, Nos. 12, 14, 22. 
THE AZIOLA 
“Do you not hear the Aziola cry? 
Methinks she must be nigh,”’ 
Said Mary, as we sate 
In dusk, ere the stars were lit or candles brought. 
And I, who thought 
This Aziola was some tedious woman, 
Asked, ‘‘Who is Aziola?’’ How elate 
I felt to know that it was nothing human, 
No mockery of myself to fear and hate! 
And Mary saw my soul, 
And laughed and said, “‘ Disquiet yourself not; 
Tis nothing but a little downy owl.” 
Sad Aziola! many an eventide 
Thy music I had heard 
By wood and stream, meadow and mountain-side 
And fields and marshes wide,— 
Such as no voice nor lute nor wind nor bird 
The soul ever stirred; 
Unlike and far sweeter than they all. 
Sad Aziola! from that moment I 
Loved thee and thy sad cry. —Percy B. Shelley. 
175 
