reasons for thinking they have nested there. The eggs of the species enumerated above as spring- 
residents are all white, and vary in size in the order named. The difference in size is not sufficient 
however to identify them. Between the eggs of the Great Horned Owl and Barred Owl there is commonly 
considerable difference in dimensions in favor of the former, but sometimes they approach each other so 
closely as to make identification by size alone impossible. The eggs of the three remaining species stand 
by themselves when compared with the first two. But among each other they vary so that recog- 
nition is impossible, except with typical specimens. The eggs of the Short-eared Owl are the most 
slender, and are apt to be considerably more pointed at one end than at the other. The eggs of the Long- 
eared Owl average about the same in size as those of the Short-eared, but are seldom so pointed, usually 
being equally blunt at both ends. The eggs of the Screech Owl are more nearly round than either of 
those just mentioned, but they may be like the others exactly in dimensions. The measurements of each 
given in the proper places will make apparent the variations in size. 
REMARKS : 
Fig. 3, Plate L1X, represents the extremes in size and shape of the eggs of the Barred Owl. The 
specimens illustrated were selected from a large number of eggs taken in the Middle and Eastern States. 
I have never found a nest of the Barred Owl. The species in the neighborhood of Circleville is by 
no means common. So rare is it that in ten years I have seen but three or four specimens. It is said 
by those who have studied the habits of this Owl that it frequently takes possession of an old Hawk’s 
nest for purposes of rearing its young, as does the Great Horned Owl. It is also said to have better 
eye-sight in daytime than most of the other Owls. It has been seen searching for prey in broad daylight, 
and is reputed to be very watchful throughout the day while it rests in the woods. My observations 
upon owls have convinced me that they arc by no means so blind during the daytime as they are 
said to be. I have frequently tested the vision of the Great Horned Owl in confinement, and 
consider it quite acute, and in the woods, even on the brightest days, it watches the man with a gun so 
closely that it is by the merest accident he can approach near enough for a shot. When disturbed in 
the woods it flies with the greatest ease and certainty, and by no means in the stumbling manner which 
some authors have described. The vision of the Screech Owl and Long-eared Owl is also very good, and 
in daytime is quite sufficient for all ordinary purposes. 
The Barred Owl is a real desperado, and its depredations are as much feared by the country house- 
wife as those of the Great Horned Owl. Each of these birds when pressed for food will boldly enter the 
poultry-yard and carry away chickens, ducks, and even young turkeys. The manner in which they 
catch chickens is unique, if the stories which I have heard can be relied upon. It is said that these 
Owls will alight upon the roost beside the chickens and sidle along, crowding them until one loses its 
place and falls groundward. As quick as a flash the Owl darts after it, and before the unlucky bird 
touches the earth it is in the talons of the robber and is rapidly borne away to be devoured at leisure. 
A pair of Owls will in a single night destroy a large number of chickens, apparently delighting in 
the sport. The country people have a novel way of entrapping these rascals, viz.: A long, stout pole is 
planted in the earth near the poultry-yard, and upon the' top of this a small cross-bar is driven, and 
upon this cross piece an ordinary steel trap is set. The Owls hunting for a place where they can inspect 
the neighborhood before beginning their thieving, espy the pole, and, considering it a good point of 
observation, at once take possession. As a result the farmer finds an owl in his trap the following 
morning. I have seen nine Owls caught in two weeks, one Barred Owl and eight Great Horned Owls. 
-Jfe 
216 
