Beneath the trees, Red-breasted Nuthatches were clambering all over fallen branches and cones, reminders of our recent storms:
I've really gotten attached to these little birds, and I'm going to miss them and their funny constant squeaking when they decide to leave our woods again (hopefully not until spring):
I guess I'd better get in as much Red-breasted Nuthatch time as I can while they're still here!
As the sun sunk below the trees, a pair of Mallards drew patterns of light on the pond's surface:
And in the last moments of daylight, I looked up to see a shadowy figure watching from high in the trees:
Oh, it has been far too long since I last saw a Great Horned Owl in these woods! I took a few steps toward the creature, and then I looked up again... and it was gone. But, really, even the briefest glimpse of an owl makes for a totally awesome day.
Like I said, late afternoon in the woods can be extremely cool.
Extremely cool, indeed! Thanks for the lovely walk and the most exciting encounter with the owl.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I could share! Sometimes I wish we could all see owls more often, but then I guess those rare encounters wouldn't be quite as special, would they?
DeleteOh, nice! Always nice to see an owl. If I'm very lucky I may see my first Western Screech Owl and Burrowing Owl while I'm out here in AZ this week - fingers crossed.
ReplyDeleteGood luck in your southwestern owl search! I was so hoping to see Burrowing Owls myself when I was in Utah this summer, but no such luck. I hope you have more success! (So many different kinds of owls, and they're all awesome.)
DeleteYour mention of the Great Horned Owl made me remember a late afternoon walk I once took along the Potomac River in late afternoon when I saw a Barred owl take off from a limb just over my head and fly silently through the treetops. They are incredible creatures!
ReplyDelete