The Long-eared Owl 
Taken in San Luis Obispo County Photo by the Author 
BRISTLING IN DEFENSE 
it is really fairly common throughout the state, and nests regularly in live 
oaks and evergreens, it is only in the neighborhood of open country, and 
especially along the borders of willow-lined “Sonoran” streams, that it 
may be studied to advantage. Here, in March or early April, one 
frightens the male, or “bull” Owl, from some thicket of willow limbs or 
cottonwood; and, if he is wise, he immediately casts about for the nearest 
nest, no matter how dilapidated, of Crow or Magpie. And here, above 
the melee of crisscross sticks, themselves like sticks, save as betrayed by 
the breezes, may be seen the faintly waving plumicorns of the female, 
sitting very close. Only those who have been there, know what a treat 
is in store. My first experience came on the shores of Lake Chelan. 
A likely looking Crow’s nest, ten feet up in a willow clump, tempted 
inspection. Upon my approach an Owl slipped noiselessly from the 
nest and left me to plan the ascent through an ugly tangle of saplings. 
As I started in 1 heard the overture of a caterwauling contest, just as 
when Thomas remarks, “We-a-o-o-a-ow," and Nature catches her breath 
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