Snowy Visitors. I yn 



which he is hiding, they guess your purpose, and a 

 low rapid chatter begins among them. One would 

 think that they would exult in seeing him surprised 

 and killed ; but that is not crow nature. They would 

 gladly worry the owl to death if they could, but they 

 will not stand by and see him slain by a common 

 enemy. The chatter ceases suddenly. Two or three 

 swift fliers leave the flock, circle around you, and 

 speed over the rock, uttering short notes of alarm. 

 With the first sharp note, which all birds seem to 

 understand, the owl springs into the air, turns, sees 

 you, and is off up the beach. The crows rush after 

 him with crazy clamor, and speedily drive him to 

 cover again. But spare yourself more trouble. It 

 is useless to try stalking any game while the crows 

 are watching. 



Sometimes you can drive or ride quite near to one 

 of these birds, the horse apparently removing all his 

 suspicion. But if you are on foot, take plenty of 

 time and care and patience, and shoot your prize on 

 the first stalk if possible. Once alarmed, he will lead 

 you a long chase, and most likely escape in the end. 



I learned the wisdom of this advice in connection 

 with the first snowy owl I had ever met outside a 

 museum. I surprised him early one winter morning 

 eating a brant, which he had caught asleep on the 

 shore. He saw me, and kept making short flights 



