BIRDS OF CLAY AND O’BRIEN COUNTIES 
267 
56. Pandion hairnet us ckrolinensis. Osprey. On September 
25, 1910, while watching a number of herons, I noticed a large 
hawk diving into the waters of a small lake. It remained about 
for several hours and I identified it as this species. I was not 
familiar with the bird at this time but subsequent acquaintance 
serves to confirm the identification. 
57. *Asfo flammeus. Short-eared Owl. A common breed- 
ing species and permanent resident. Most of these birds migrate 
during the winter, but a few usually remain about the frozen 
meadows. 
58. *Otus asio asio. Screech Owl. The most common owl 
found. It breeds both in the native timber and in artificial 
groves. 
59. Xyctea nyctea. Snowy Owl. This species Avas said to 
be a common winter visitant during some seasons and entirely 
absent during others. I saw one on December 22, 1909, and an- 
other A\ r as reported to me in April, 1910. Mounted specimens 
usually without dates, were not uncommon in the various towns. 
60. Speotyto cunicularia hypugaea. Burrowing Owl. On 
June 16, 1911, I made a special trip to Gramulle, Avliich lies just 
about on the line between Sioux and O'Brien counties to see a 
colony of this species reported from there. Three pair Avere 
nesting iii burrows dug in low ridges in a swampy pasture. One 
pair Avhich Avas dug out had tAvo fresh eggs. The female re- 
mained on the nest and, after the burrow Avas partially exca- 
vated, Avas caught and handled for some time. She struck 
viciously at every one within reach of her claws. Several skins 
or pieces of skin of the striped gopher ( Spermophilus triclecem- 
lineatus) and a number of unidentified bones Avere about the 
nest entrance and in the tunnel. 
61. Coccyzus americanus am erica tins. Yellow-billed Cuckoo. 
Nested regularly in the timbered areas. 
62. Coccyzus erythrop thalmus. Black-billed Cuckoo. This 
species was less common than the yellow-bill but Avas found regu- 
larly. 
63. Ceryle alcyon. Belted Kingfisher. Nested commonly 
wherever suitable nest sites were found. 
64. Dryobates villosus villosus. Hairy Woodpecker. One 
bird observed June 19, 1910, in the Little Sioux valley is the 
only summer record I have. The birds undoubtedly nested more 
