62. Nyctea scandiaca. Snowy Owl.—Very irregular in appearance; sometimes very abundant in winter, and sometimes not seen for several years. Mr. Comeau shot one May 17, 1882, and Mr. Gregoire Labrie killed one May 31, 1880. These are the latest dates at which they have been seen in this section.
63. Surnia funerea. Hawk Owl.—Common in winter, generally appearing in November and not remaining later than February.
64. Nyctala tengmalmi richardsoni. Richardson’s Owl.—A common winter resident, and very tame. This Owl has a low liquid note that resembles the sound produced by water slowly dropping from a height; hence the Montagne Indians call it pillip-pile-tshish, which means “water-dripping bird.” These Indians have a legend that this was at one time the largest Owl in the world, and that it had a very loud voice. It one day perched itself near a large waterfall and tried not only to imitate the sound of the fall but also to drown the roaring of the torrent in its own voice. At this the Great Spirit was offended and transformed it into a pygmy, causing its voice to resemble slowly dripping water instead of the mighty roar of a cataract.
65. Nyctala acadica. Saw-whet Owl.—Not very common. In winter Mr. Comeau once saw one of these little Owls fly out from within the carcass of a great northern hare that had been caught in a snare. The Owl had eaten away the abdomen and was at work within the thoracic cavity when frightened away.
66. Circus cyaneus hudsonius. Marsh Harrier.—A tolerably common summer resident. Three individuals were seen as early as May 5, 1882.
67. Astur atricapillus. Goshawk.—Not rare.
68. Falco sacer obsoletus. Labrador Gyrfalcon.—Mr. Comeau has killed several of these rare Falcons in the vicinity of Godbout.
69. Falco columbarius. Pigeon Hawk.—Not rare, and doubtless breeds.
70. Falco sparverius. Sparrow Hawk.—Rare. One shot May 5, 1882.
71. Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis. Rough-legged Buzzard.—Breeds, and is rather common. The southward migration commences about the last of September and continues into November. During this period large numbers of these Hawks are constantly passing over this part of the coast on the way to their winter quarters.