The Great Horned Owl 



holding me with a sinister intensity, ominous 

 of impending impact. The next instant, hug- 

 ging close to the tree, I swung up an arm as 

 if to strike, simultaneously ducking. Checked 

 by this feint the owl passed, missing its 

 aim by a few inches, and before its mate could 

 follow up the opportunity, I slipped to the 

 ground. Quick action was necessary, for as 

 one bird came from one direction, the other 

 would follow up the attack closely from the 

 opposite side. 



The blow, in every case aimed at the head, 

 caused a curious, numbing sensation; the bird 

 seemed to strike in full collision, yet at the 

 same time to pass. While the main force of 

 the stroke came, apparently, from the beak, 

 the claws left their deep, unmistakable fur- 

 rows in the flesh. It was indeed necessary 

 to keep an unremitting watch when in proxim- 

 ity to the nest, as the least laxity of vigilance 

 was sure to result unpleasantly. The owls' 



63 



