The Long-eared Owl 



Taken in San Luis Obispo County 



BRISTLING IN DEFENSE 



Photo by the Author 



it is really fairly common throughout the state, and nests regularly in live 

 oaks and evergreens, it is only in the neighborhood of open country, and 

 especially along the borders of willow-lined "Sonoran" streams, that it 

 may be studied to advantage. Here, in March or early April, one 

 frightens the male, or "bull" Owl, from some thicket of willow limbs or 

 cottonwood; and, if he is wise, he immediately casts about for the nearest 

 nest, no matter how dilapidated, of Crow or Magpie. And here, above 

 the melee of crisscross sticks, themselves like sticks, save as betrayed by 

 the breezes, may be seen the faintly waving plumicorns of the female, 

 sitting very close. Only those who have been there, know what a treat 

 is in store. My first experience came on the shores of Lake Chelan. 

 A likely looking Crow's nest, ten feet up in a willow clump, tempted 

 inspection. Upon my approach an Owl slipped noiselessly from the 

 nest and left me to plan the ascent through an ugly tangle of saplings. 

 As I started in I heard the overture of a caterwauling contest, just as 

 when Thomas remarks, "We-a-o-o-a-ow," and Nature catches her breath 



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