I keep hearing tawny owls outside my window which is such a privilege. It's always dark though! So I haven't ever seen them. But knowing they're nearby is special.
Beautiful post, Neil. The framing of the yellow leaves is so stunning. The owl is like the jewel in the setting of the leaves, but also in your poetry and prose. Really captivating!
If not eternal, at least shared through your words and images. Thank you for taking us with you! Making eye contact with a creature that has such patience and awareness. What an experience that must have been!
Thanks Julia. That's a great point about the eye contact and connection. There's something interesting that I cannot identify about connecting with owls. Not sure how to put into words and hoping images help.
I feel intrigued with that sound background and the stillness of the owl. So enjoy the moment you share on the video. Thanks Neil for sharing wonderful moments.
Thank you Neil. I found your owl images remarkable. Almost alive. The calls of barred owls varies a bit. The standard “Who cooks for who” is likely very commonly recognized. I used to single hand my canoe on a river west of where I live. Away from highways. One night, camped below some tall Juniper trees, I was startled awake by otherworldly cackles and howls. Increasing in volume. I don’t know if that’s a mating call or just a good way to spend an evening. I soon realized that was also a good way for my evening.
Thanks Gary and that canoeing and camping experience sounds amazing. Especially the opportunity to hear the different calls of Barred Owls. They're such a gift to see and hear and something I never take for granted.
Neil, I love this story. I have had time like that with a barred owl in the past. Such a gift you were given. Such magic. I love the Sijo it perfectly encapsulates your encounter.
Thanks Pamela and very much appreciated. I do feel this experience was such a magical gift. I was very fortunate that this owl had stayed in the area for the day.
That's also my idea of a perfect moment, Neil. I could also stay there forever.
Thanks, Ann and agreed.
Such a profound encounter. Thank you, Neil.
Owls are very special creatures.
I keep hearing tawny owls outside my window which is such a privilege. It's always dark though! So I haven't ever seen them. But knowing they're nearby is special.
Thanks Janelle and I agree that owls are very special - such a unique presence and quality.
That's amazing to be able to hear the tawny owls so nearby as well. I hope you have a chance to see one soon. :)
I’ll keep my ears and eyes open at dawn and dusk. You never know…
Beautiful Sijo and lovely photography! You raise a profound question: if the moment with the owl lasts forever, is a moment with the meadowlark lost?
Thank you Michael and much appreciated. I like the profound question you raises as well!
It is like a light illuminating a moment in time. We treasure the moment and forget the light.
If we abide in the light, then the whole world becomes a treasure house.What is that light? Some call it Love.
Well said, Michael.
Beautiful post, Neil. The framing of the yellow leaves is so stunning. The owl is like the jewel in the setting of the leaves, but also in your poetry and prose. Really captivating!
Thanks Heidi and much appreciated. I really liked those yellow leaves as well. Such fortunate timing and I was really lucky that afternoon.
If not eternal, at least shared through your words and images. Thank you for taking us with you! Making eye contact with a creature that has such patience and awareness. What an experience that must have been!
Thanks Julia. That's a great point about the eye contact and connection. There's something interesting that I cannot identify about connecting with owls. Not sure how to put into words and hoping images help.
Such a special moment you captured! I hear owls but rarely see them other than the occasional swoop by!
Thanks Val and much appreciated. I was really fortunate to see this same owl twice that day in the morning and afternoon. Also thanks for restacking.
I mean, the Yelp leaves and that owl. So stunning. And I love this poem!
Thanks, Brian and much appeciated! I was so fortunate with the timing on this afternoon encounter!
I feel intrigued with that sound background and the stillness of the owl. So enjoy the moment you share on the video. Thanks Neil for sharing wonderful moments.
Thank you Nancy. I was very fortunate to spend a few moments with the owl that day. Happy to share.
What a special moment with the owl. I like how the last line of your poem is a question, its request singular yet somehow multifaceted.
Thanks Emma and I was so fortunate that afternoon. I'm glad this owl decided to stay in the area for the day.
Thank you Neil. I found your owl images remarkable. Almost alive. The calls of barred owls varies a bit. The standard “Who cooks for who” is likely very commonly recognized. I used to single hand my canoe on a river west of where I live. Away from highways. One night, camped below some tall Juniper trees, I was startled awake by otherworldly cackles and howls. Increasing in volume. I don’t know if that’s a mating call or just a good way to spend an evening. I soon realized that was also a good way for my evening.
Thanks Gary and that canoeing and camping experience sounds amazing. Especially the opportunity to hear the different calls of Barred Owls. They're such a gift to see and hear and something I never take for granted.
Beautiful creature, and such a gift of presence.
Thanks Leanne and I definitely felt like I'd received a gift seeing this Barred Owl.
Neil, I love this story. I have had time like that with a barred owl in the past. Such a gift you were given. Such magic. I love the Sijo it perfectly encapsulates your encounter.
Thanks Pamela and very much appreciated. I do feel this experience was such a magical gift. I was very fortunate that this owl had stayed in the area for the day.