Crossword Genius

See about providing shelter for western bird (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

owl

'bird' is the definition.
(owl is a kind of bird)

'see about providing shelter for western' is the wordplay.
'see' becomes 'lo' (archaic word meaning 'look!').
'about' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'providing shelter for' indicates putting letters inside.
'western' becomes 'w'.
'lo' in reverse letter order is 'ol'.
'ol' going around 'w' is 'OWL'.

(Other definitions for owl that I've seen before include "Athena's bird" , "Lear's loved a Pussy-cat" , "Predator" , "One flying" , "Bird of prey with front-facing eyes" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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