58 
BARRED OWL. 
Schuylkill and Delaware. It is very frequently observed 
flying’ during day, and certainly sees more distinctly at that 
time than many of its genus. In one spring, at different 
very same manners ; and when raised from its dormitory in a spruce or silver 
fir, or holly, or oak that still carries its leaves, it will flit before one for half 
a day, moving its station whenever it thinks the aggressor too near. It does 
not utter any cry during flight. 
It is common to both continents, visiting, however, only the more northern 
parts of the European, and does not extend so generally as many of those 
which inhabit both. 
According to Mr Audubon, this Owl was a most abundant visitor to his 
various solitary encampments, often a most amusing one ; and, by less accus- 
tomed travellers, might easily have been converted into some supposed inhabitant 
of another world. 
“ How often,” says this distinguished ornithologist, “ when snugly settled 
under the boughs of my temporary encampment, and preparing to roast a venison 
steak, or the body of a squirrel, on a wooden spit, have I been saluted with 
the exulting bursts of this nightly disturber of the peace, that, had it not been 
for him, would have prevailed around me, as well as in my lonely retreat ! 
How often have I seen this nocturnal marauder alight within a few yards of 
me, exposing his whole body to the glare of my fire, and eye me in such a 
curious manner, that, had it been reasonable to do so, I would gladly have 
invited him to walk in and join me in my repast, that I might have enjoyed 
the pleasure of forming a better acquaintance with him. The liveliness of his 
motions, joined to their oddness, have often made me think that his society 
would be at least as agreeable as that of many of the buffoons we meet with 
in the world. But as such opportunities of forming acquaintance have not 
existed, be content, kind reader, with the imperfect information which I can 
give you of the habits of this Sancho Pan 9a of our woods. 
“ Such persons as conclude, when looking upon Owls in the glare of day, that 
they are, as they then appear, extremely dull, are greatly mistaken. Were 
they to state, like Buffon, that Woodpeckers are miserable beings, they would 
be talking as incorrectly ; and, to one who might have lived long in the woods, 
they would seem to have lived only in their libraries. 
“ The Barred Owl is found in all those parts of the United States which I 
have visited, and is a constant resident. In Louisiana, it seems to be more 
abundant than in any other state. It is almost impossible to travel eight or 
ten miles in any of the retired woods there, without seeing several of them 
even in broad day ; and, at the approach of night, their cries are heard pro- 
ceeding from every part of the forest around the plantations. Should the 
weather be lowering, and indicative of the approach of rain, their cries are so 
multiplied during the day, and especially in the evening, and they respond to 
