BIRDS OF DURHAM AND VICINITY. 
47 
they had occupied the maple. I was interested to observe that the 
female kept at a safe distance while I was investigating the nesting 
tree, but that the male dived at me many times in the same manner 
as an offended swallow, though without uttering a sound. 
Pandion haliaetus carolinensis. American Osprey. 364. 
This locality is a favorite hunting ground for Ospreys, which are 
frequently seen coursing over the river and bay, and less often perched 
near the shore on a dead-topped tree. They do not breed here, but, 
excepting a few weeks in June and July, when family duties engage 
most of them elsewhere, they are common from April to October. 
They dive for their fish either from a tree, or as they harry to and fro 
at a height of from thirty to forty feet above the water. Often they 
are completely immersed for a short time. When they come to the 
surface, they usually lie still for an instant, and then, by a great 
effort with their long wings, rise and fly steadily away, bearing their 
writhing prey in their talons. 
Family BUBONID^. 
Asio wilsonianus. American Long-eared Owl. 366. 
This owl is rather common, and is probably a permanent resident, 
though I have not yet found it here in winter. At all seasons it may 
be looked for in pine woods, especially those of younger growth, such 
as are found adjacent to the college reservoir. This owFs food con- 
sists chiefly of mice, other small animals, birds and insects. I have 
known them to hunt sparrows vv^hich were going to roost in the pines. 
A few years ago Mr. Albert Demeritt found them nesting near his 
house. The nest is not unlike that of the crow in its external appear- 
ance. 
Asio accipitrinus. Short-eared Owl. 367. 
Short-eared Owls are rather rare in this immediate neighborhood, 
but on the marshes along the coast, they are more common. The food 
habits of this species are substantially like those of the last. But its 
hunting range is quite different, for this owl harries marsh-land, while 
the other prefers high ground. The two Asios are similar in size, but 
are quickly distinguished by the ear tufts, ivilsoiiianns having tufts an 
inch or more in length, while those of accipiti-huis are not more than 
a third as long. 
