Owls

Leaving work tonight, walking to the bus stop through a grove of trees, sky still light, breeze tossing leaves down around me, I think, "I'd like to see an owl.  I wonder if wearing the stupid owl sweater would attract one?"  Suddenly, I hear a loud, resonant, nasal call.  I stop.  Look up into the branches.  Nothing.  Walk a little bit further, a second call, ahead of me.  I slowly make my way under the trees, gazing up all the while.  I don't find it, but I'm pretty sure that was an owl call.

On a recent walk around the lake, I pause to look at a heron, in the cartoon version of this moment, the heron is standing perfectly still (and tall) and trying to blend in with the circling mallards.  A woman stands there taking its picture.  Suddenly, it begins to move, turning and giving good angle to her camera like an old pro:  I think it likes to be photographed.

I haven't got out to walk in either haunt lately.  Looking forward to the coming daylight, a free morning, and space to roam.