ASIONIDAE—OWLS.
159
tricts (Laver). Mr. Sackett says it is occasionally shot in the Orsett district, but
he has never known it to breed there. Mr. Fitch has its eggs which he took at
Birdbrook.
Snowy Owl : Nyctia scandiaca.
There is no record of this large and conspicuous bird having
actually been obtained in the county. It is a rare winter straggler to
Britain, and is likely to
have visited Essex, as it
has been met with in Suf-
folk, and at least nine times
in Norfolk. The following
observations, however, must
pass for what they are
worth :—
Mr. John Pettitt, of Colches-
ter, informs me that one was seen
near Paglesham about 1883-84,
while Mr. Hope informs me that
he has " seen it on the borders
of Essex at Christmas time."
" Mr. Owen Boyle, of the Lan-
guard L.H., under date of
February 9th, Wind E., reports
this species as shot by a visitor
near the lighthouse. Subse-
quently, Mr. Boyle writes in
reply to my letter, that he is sure
the bird was a Snowy Owl."
(B. A. Migration Report for 1885
(42) p. 39). Further information from the person who shot it, or the present
possessor, would be very desirable.
Tengmalm's Owl: Nyctala tengmalmi.
A very rare and accidental visitor, which has only once been met
with in Essex.
Mr. Edward Bidwell relates (40. i. 177) that about the end of January, 1877, some
boys noticed a bird in a tree near the iron bridge in the Barking Road, Poplar,
which on being disturbed was soon killed and taken to him, when he ascertained
that it belonged to this species. The sex was not ascertained.
Scops Owl: Scops giu.
A rare and occasional visitant only to Britain, though it has sev-
eral times been recorded in Essex.
Mr. Clarke notes (24) that two were taken at the Aviary, Audley End, about
the year 1821. One, being only slightly wounded, was kept alive for sometime
by Travis the keeper (12. iii. 100 ; 14. i. 114 and 38.93). The approximate
date of the occurrence of these specimens has not, I believe, before been