Few of all the groups of birds have such decided markings, such
characteristic distinctions, as the Owl. There is a singular
resemblance between the face of an Owl and that of a cat, which is the
more notable, as both of these creatures have much the same habits,
live on the same prey, and are evidently representatives of the same
idea in their different classes. The Owl, in fact, is a winged cat,
just as the cat is a furred owl.
The Snowy Owl is one of the handsomest of this group, not so much on
account of its size, which is considerable, as by reason of the
beautiful white mantle which it wears, and the large orange eyeballs
that shine with the lustre of a topaz set among the snowy plumage.
It is a native of the north of Europe and America, but is also found
in the more northern parts of England, being seen, though rather a
scarce bird, in the Shetland and Orkney Islands, where it builds its
nest and rears its young. One will be more likely to find this owl
near the shore, along the line of salt marshes and woody stubble, than
further inland. The marshes do not freeze so easily or deep as the
iron bound uplands, and field-mice are more plentiful in them. It is
so fleet of wing that if its appetite is whetted, it can follow and
capture a Snow Bunting or a Junco in its most rapid flight.
Like the Hawk Owl, it is a day-flying bird, and is a terrible foe
to the smaller mammalia, and to various birds. Mr. Yarrell in his
"History of the British Birds," states that one wounded on the Isle of
Balta disgorged a young rabbit whole, and that a young Sandpiper, with
its plumage entire, was found in the stomach of another.
In proportion to its size the Snowy Owl is a mighty hunter, having
been detected chasing the American hare, and carrying off wounded
Grouse before the sportsman could secure his prey. It is also a good
fisherman, posting itself on some convenient spot overhanging the
water, and securing its finny prey with a lightning-like grasp of the
claw as it passes beneath the white clad fisher. Sometimes it will
sail over the surface of a stream, and snatch the fish as they rise
for food. It is also a great lover of lemmings, and in the destruction
of these quadruped pests does infinite service to the agriculturist.
The large round eyes of this owl are very beautiful. Even by daylight
they are remarkable for their gem-like sheen, but in the evening they
are even more attractive, glowing like balls of living fire.
From sheer fatigue these birds often seek a temporary resting place on
passing ships. A solitary owl, after a long journey, settled on the
rigging of a ship one night. A sailor who was ordered aloft, terrified
by the two glowing eyes that suddenly opened upon his own, descended
hurriedly to the deck, declaring to the crew that he had seen "Davy
Jones a-sitting up there on the main yard."