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STRIGIDJC. 
THE WHITE, 0E BAEN OWL. 
Strix flammea, Linn. 
Is the most common species, and takes up its abode in 
towns, as well as in country districts. 
W here there is much old timber, the long-eared owl may be as 
frequent as this species ; but throughout Ireland generally, the 
numbers of S. flammea doubtless greatly prevail. It is said to be 
the only species of owl known in the island of Eathlin, and to be 
very rare.* Both this and the long-eared owl, which were once 
plentiful in the plantations at Springvale, county of Down, are 
said to have almost entirely disappeared of late years, without any 
apparent cause, although the greatest protection was always 
afforded to them. 
I have had the following evidence of the white owl's regular 
flight to some distance from its domicile, just as twilight com- 
mences. Near Belfast, there is a considerable extent of low-lying 
meadows which are flooded by heavy rains, and at such times are 
resorted to by various species of wild-fowl (Anatidee). The flood 
never attaining such a height as to cover the banks surrounding 
these meadows, they are frequented by persons for the purpose of 
shooting the wild-fowl on their evening flight, and to whom the 
owl, on as “ murderous deeds intent,” occasionally falls a victim. 
It at first occurred to me that the owl's visit might be consequent 
on the flood having driven the rats, mice, &c., on which it preys, 
from the meadows to their banks, where, as the only place of 
refuge, these animals would be more than usually abundant ; but 
I since ascertained that the owl equally haunts them when the 
flood is gone. I have seen it flying towards these grounds from 
the distance of nearly a mile. 
This species builds its nest in the ordinary site, old houses, &c., 
about Youghal.t The family at Castle Warren, near Cork, were 
much alarmed on one occasion by hearing a loud snoring noise, 
like that made by a man after a day's hard labour, proceeding 
* Dr. J. D. Marshall. 
t BaH. 
