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POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE. 



GREAT HORNED OWL. 



SPECTACLED OWL. 



gan. On June 1, 1911, the Park exhibited six fine speci- 

 mens, one of which was almost pure white. During the 

 three hottest months of summer, these birds would suffer 

 considerably, so during this period they are confined in a 

 cool, dark cellar, thus keeping in perfect health and comfort 

 throughout the year. 



The Screech Owl, (Otus asio). — This little horned owl is 

 our commonest species, and frequents the neighborhood of 

 dwellings and orchards. Being nocturnal it is more com- 

 mon than is generally supposed, and its curious cry, which 

 is not a screech, but a musical, quavering series of notes, is 

 the cause most frequently leading to its discovery. Its two 

 phases of plumage, red and gray, occur independently of 

 sex, age or season. Its food consists of mice and insects. 



The Barred Owl, (Syrnium varium). — This owl is more 

 diurnal than its nearest relatives, and often hunts its prey 

 in bright moonshine. Its deep, penetrating call, "woo-o-o, 

 whoo-o-o, ' ' is one of the most weird and striking cries of the 

 bird world. Another peculiarity, common to all owls, but 

 more noticeable in this less nocturnal species, is the absolute- 

 ly noiseless flight. The soft, downy feathers of the owl 

 permit it to wing its way through the air with as little noise 

 as a falling leaf. 



