Correct Portraiture of Some Birds
Correct Portraiture of Some Birds
In the London (England) Field for March 10, 1927, there is an article by Mr. Frohawk on the Short-eared Owl (Asio flammmeus). Among other remarks the writer points out that this species invariably alights on the ground, never perching in trees; and that, notwithstanding, both, in pictures and in museums, the bird is frequently shown doing this.
Looking through what ornithological literature I possess, I find two books that are extensively used by bird-student beginners. In these two, also in a colored picture out of a series, the Short-eared Owl is represented perching on a tree or stump. Is this owl never known to perch on a fence post? I have seen an individual seated on a hay stack.
Recently I purchased British Birds, by Archibald Thorburn, with the author’s own beautiful illustrations. In this work the Short-eared Owl is portrayed squatting on the ground. In describing the Fulmar (Fulmarus glacicclis) the same author says: “Like most, if not all Petrels, the Fulmar appears to be unable or unwilling to stand on its feet, and rests when on the ground in a crouching attitude.” I presume that does not imply that the petrels, shearwaters, and fulmars cannot and do not walk about in the ordinary manner. But in the above-mentioned beginners’ manuals the greater number of pictures represent the birds of this group at rest in an upright posture, or even on one leg.
L. B. Potter
Eastend, Saskatchewan, May 30, 1927
