Winter’s coming and it’s getting colder for us and for all the wildlife around, including birds like this one. Here’s a challenge for all birders: what do we think this is? At first I thought ‘owl’ but on looking at it more closely I don’t think it is. Red Tailed Hawk? I have asked a local birder by email, so if anyone comes up with positive ID, I will update the post. Keep checking back if you’re interested. Taken through my living room window.
Today is a good day for a barred owl photo. When we had bird feeders in our front garden, we used to see hawks waiting in the branches to pounce on unsuspecting goldfinches and the like which I didn’t appreciate. Owls, though, come out later and so they watch for mice that are probably making nests in our car brakes and the like. They’re welcome to them.
On one occasion (maybe this one), that owl was sitting on that branch when a squirrel ran almost up to him! It stopped in surprise and beat a hasty retreat. The owl didn’t move. It just watched it go. It happened too fast for me to catch it in a picture.
I have to say, one of my favourite moments, walking in the woods was when an owl flew right over my head, going ahead of me and landing on a branch a few yards away. The amazing thing was that it was absolutely silent. But I thought I felt the air from its wings as it flew over me, so close. What marvellous creatures they are.
I love this face. Here’s looking at you! Happy Owl Day.
Zaz lives in a home where there are no dairy products, nor meat, but she has found her favourite tipple – hemp milk! She waits impatiently when she hears me stirring the milk jug before pouring out the measure, then has to lick the spoon (both sides) then the measuring cup. This treat comes second only to the pleasure of licking out the lentil pot! If she could get her head out of the cup she would wish everyone a great Caturday!
As I was preparing this post and writing out the description of the image for the visually impaired (Alt text), I found that I loved the picture my words painted in my mind. The text gave a warm and comforting feeling, which is how I saw the image. The Alt text is what I will leave you with today, hoping all readers will come away feeling softly cradled. “A very pale pink and white petalled softly focused image, with the darker centre of a magnolia flower in detail, almost like an anemone with tentacles pillowed in the soft petals.” Have a lovely day, friends.
