Some Raptores of Douglas County, South Dakota
Some Raptores of Douglas County, South Dakota
The following list was made in Douglas County, southeastern South Dakota, in the years of 1909, '10,‘11, and '12.
Cathartes aura septentrionalis. Turkey Vulture. I have two autumn records of this species, one of which is for September 8, 1911.
Circus hudsonis. Marsh Hawk. A typical bird of the prairie marshes, and from an ecoriomic standpoint, one of the most beneficial birds of the region.
Aquila chrysaetos. Golden Eagle. A fine example of this species was accidentally killed November 11, 1911, by flying against a wire fence, near the town of Delmont.
Falco sparverius. Sparrow Hawk. Probably a rare summer resident; becomes common in September.
Pandion hbliaetus carolinensis. Osprey. Occasionally seen in autumn. Asio wilsonianus. Long-eared Owl. I have but one record, a specimen taken September 24, 1911.
Asio flammeus. Short-eared Owl. Resident. Found in the vicinity of sloughs and marshy hay land.
Cryptoglaux acadica. Saw-whet Owl. A specimen taken at Armour, January 27, 1910.
Otus asio asio. Screech Owl. Three nests of this species were found. Two were in cavities in cottonwood trees, and the third was in a deserted Flicker hole in a telephone pole.
Nyctea nyctea. Snowy Owl. An occasional winter visitant, more common in severe winters. Their favorite resting places are straw stacks.
Speotyto cunicularia hypogaea. Burrowing Owl. Common. Breeds singly or in colonies; a nest examined May 16, 1911, was located in a burrow, about eight feet from the entrance, and contained ten eggs, at different stages of incubation.
Alex Walker
Tillamook, Oregon
