Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1879-12-05

owl is not uncommon Ia "A territory
which ia not thickly settled. The
Others are rare and are only occasion
ally met with while some ornithologists
claim that the barn owl does not breed
as far north as this state. But Dr.
Brewer disputes this statement, and
says that it not only is found here, but
that it breeds here. Probably one
reason why this bird causes d difference
of opinion is on account of its strictly
nocturnal habits. When it sdisturbed
in the day time it flies about in an ir-
regular, bewildered manner, as if at a
loss how to look for Il place OF refuge.
This bird feeds entirely on small quad
rupeds, and therefore is benefit to the
| farmer.
The screech owl is one OF our most
common species, and is pretty evenly
distributed throughout all the United
States. The eggs are laid in the hol-
low OF a tree, and it is not uncommon
for them toselect an appletree in which
are placed few simple materials
such as dry leaves and grasses upon
which are laid four pure white eggs.
This owl is probably as well known as
any of the family, and is very familiar
with the farmer, and seems to enjoy
civilization. In the daytime it rests
in thick evergreenS or even in the hay
loft OF the barn, but ia sometimes
driven from these retreats by imper-
tinent Jays, and other tormentors.
They are considerably dazed by the
light and when perched in the sunlight
are easily captured. AT dusk they be-
come active, and their cries are heard
at all times and hours of the night :;
and many is the Green Mountain bow
who While passing through thick
woods upon dark night has felt his
hair rise, his heart leap, and himself
flying through the air at an incredible
rate ofspeei ashe has listened to the
cries of this small bird, who was
perched on u limb directly over his
head. The bird is very neighborlv
and is of inestimable benefit TO the
farmer, and should be protected and
encouraged everywhere. They, unlike
other owls, are easily tanned, and soon
become quite familiarSand as pats, are
truly Il curiosity.
II
The Barred owl is the most common
owl which breeds in Vermont. 1t does
not strictly contine itself to the woods.
but comes around our homes, is seen in
our shade-trees, lives in our orchards.
and has even been found in our large
villages; while in the city of Burlng-
ton there was Il pair of these birds
shot several years ago. During the
daytime they are frequently seen
perched upon limb among some thick
evergreen, and will watch you ap-
proach, with Il dreamy indifferent
gaze and which over way you go they
will turn and twist their heads COM
pleteIy around while the body remains
stationary. No living creature could
be better suited through their sober
ness, and solemnity, to fiji the Office of
a judge than this bird and the culnrit
even would be likely to quail before
such q serutiuizing and constant gaze.
These owlsare not easily frightened but
sometimes when your back is turned.
they will take an opportunity and
glide silently away. They do not seem
10 be dazed or troubled by the light.
although they are strictly nocturnal.
Ihey build their nests generally in the
crotch of a pine or birch, and lay three
or folr white eggs. The notes of this
bird are described as d low cultural
out-burst Of laughter, which is much
stronger i'll the female than in the
male, and more often heard. The far
mer could we'll dispense with almost
any ether bird than the Barred owl,
for it is he that does such effective
work in destroying the many rats and
nice, and other vermin which are so
obnoxious to the husbandmen. 1t is
hoped that every individual will do
all in his power to protect and save
this bird from the inevitable doom
which is pronounced upon his owl |
slnp.
The Snowy owl is as its plumage
indicates ali arctic bird although at
times il is quite common in the State
OF Vermont and some times after a
long Northwest storm whole Aocks |
may be seen together, as was the case
four years ago, when large numbers
were seen as far South as the sea coast
OF Mass. The male -is nearly pure
white with faint markings upon the
back and upper part of the breast.
The tail is rounded and extends lit
tie beyond the folded wings; while the
legs are completely covered with soft
down, thus atfording thorough protec-
tion from the extreme cold which they
must encounter in that cherries re-
Rlon OF snow and ice, | have in nv
collection fine female specimen of
this dismal bird. Its extreme length
is twenty-siK inches and with its large
prominent eyes, large powerful blue
black bill and sharp talons it makes
one OF the most ferocious looking
specimens of the bird kingdom. They