Northern Hawk Owl (Surnia ulula)

Photo by BarrytheBirder

As described in 1906 by Chester A. Reed

I have published a few blogs recently about the the Northern Hawk Owl in the nearby community of Schomberg, Ontario.  As a change of pace, I'm reprinting the American Hawk Owl entry in a book I own, originally published 114 years ago, in Worcester, Massachusetts. 

   "Tail long and rounded; plumage mottled black, white and gray, with little, if any, brownish tinge; heavily barred with black.   These owls, curiously resembling a hawk in build, and more so in flight, are very active and hunt more during the daytime than after dark.   They feed largely upon small rodents and lemmings which are abundant in its summer home, and also kill a great many small birds.   They seem to be impartial to wooded districts, or open marshes and low lands, where they may be seen skimming about close to the ground.   Nest. Either of sticks in the tops of trees, or in hollow cavities.   The eggs are white, as are those of all owls, and nearly globular in shape (1.40 x 1.25).   Range. Breeds from Newfoundland and Manitoba northward, and possibly farther south on the mountains.   Winters south to Northern United States, rarely in New York and Illinois".
Not surprisingly, this seems fairly equivalent to field guide descriptions in the early 21st century.   I, for one, did not know that all owl eggs are typically white and spherical in shape.

Please comment if you wish.

BarrytheBirder