Like porcupines, GRAY OWLS frequently have saved explorers of the desolate northern country from starvation. Owl stew may not sound enticing but hunger is not selective and an Owl in the stomach has brot many a wanderer back to civilization. Their acquaintance with man is so slight that they are extremely unsuspicious and are often knocked off their perch with a stick.
Altho apparently larger than the Great Horned Owl, the extraordinary fluffy plumage conveying this impression, they are actually smaller. When rabbits are scarce they wander south into northern United States but prefer the northern forests and seldom leave these cold and lonely regions.
Its tremulous cry is said to resemble the Screech Owl's call.
NEST: of sticks, twigs and moss; warmly lined with feathers and located in conifers.
EGGS: 2–4; white and small for size of bird.
Northern North America. Casual in hard winter as far south as Pennsylvania.