AN OWL AND I

(re-post)

Woke at three a.m. to rain: it sounded large and gentle, fat drops few and far between; I had to investigate. It was!

I wandered around on the deck while the rain made dots on me that might have resulted in some fascinating pattern once connected. It wasn't particularly cold and it wasn't particularly warm which is mostly what winter is like in Victoria.

After awhile, as I turned to go back into the house, I noticed a shape on the tall metal cross bar that is a clotheslines support in a neighbouring yard.

First thought was that the people had put up one of those plastic owls to scare away (ha ha!) pigeons. I have one in my garden but it is because I like the look of its amber eyes.

I looked more closely. Made a whispery sound with my lips. The figure moved!

Well. I must admit that the familiar was accepted by my mind first and "cat" and then "raccoon" finally gave way to - "owl!!!"

I stood and stared and from the shape of the silhouette the owl was staring back at me.

I made some more soft noises that I hoped were appreciative and welcoming. And a part of me wanted the owl to take flight so I could experience what must be an awesome sight but it seemed a rather bad notion to wish him or her to disturb its roost simply for my delight.

It stayed as I had first seen it and I came indoors doubly blessed.

This morning I got out the bird book for identification. Since it was too dark to see any distinguishing characteristics my memory says the shape was plump like a Western Screech Owl but the size was definitely Great Horned Owl.

Maybe I will see him on a moonlit night, his tufts, his eyes........

Posted on December 07, 2004 at 11:30 AM | Permalink

Woke at three a.m. to rain: it sounded large and gentle, fat drops few and far between; I had to investigate. It was!

I wandered around on the deck while the rain made dots on me that might have resulted in some fascinating pattern once connected. It wasn't particularly cold and it wasn't particularly warm which is mostly what winter is like in Victoria.

After awhile, as I turned to go back into the house, I noticed a shape on the tall metal cross bar that is a clotheslines support in a neighbouring yard.

First thought was that the people had put up one of those plastic owls to scare away (ha ha!) pigeons. I have one in my garden but it is because I like the look of its amber eyes.

I looked more closely. Made a whispery sound with my lips. The figure moved!

Well. I must admit that the familiar was accepted by my mind first and "cat" and then "raccoon" finally gave way to - "owl!!!"

I stood and stared and from the shape of the silhouette the owl was staring back at me.

I made some more soft noises that I hoped were appreciative and welcoming. And a part of me wanted the owl to take flight so I could experience what must be an awesome sight but it seemed a rather bad notion to wish him or her to disturb its roost simply for my delight.

It stayed as I had first seen it and I came indoors doubly blessed.

This morning I got out the bird book for identification. Since it was too dark to see any distinguishing characteristics my memory says the shape was plump like a Western Screech Owl but the size was definitely Great Horned Owl.

Maybe I will see him on a moonlit night, his tufts, his eyes........