How beautiful! These photos remind me of the winter when a tawny owl was always roosting in a hole like this in a tree alongside Edinburgh's Water of Leith
Beautiful images Neil! I love the colors and the way the bird is tucked away. I’ve never photographed a screech owl, just hear their unique and beautiful sounds very often.
One night I was done fishing and one was right in my head lamp’s light as I walked through the woods and back to my truck. It looked so unbothered. Thank you for sharing.
It takes a sensitive eye trained by all the hours you’ve spent in that wild place. I feel like the blessings go both ways between you and the owl. Thank you for sharing that Neil.
Such a beautiful and auspicious encounter, I believe. I love owls, and they are cutest when they are sleepy. 🥰 Beautiful pictures and words, as always. I especially loved the last line - applies to us all, such a mystery, isn't it? 🙂🙏
Thanks Grace and very much appreciated. I do not know what it is about owls but such a different connection than other birds. I can never quite identify that connection.
What a completely wonderful post, Neil! Many years ago I found a pattern to build tree-mounted nest boxes sized for barred owls. I built two and mounted them in oak trees about 75 feet apart. I began to think the barred owls had no idea of the “right” box to camp out in.
Two years passed. Coming home late one evening I thought I caught movement near one of the boxes. Going inside for a torch - I love the English term for a flashlight - I returned and approached the nest very slowly. The beam of light showed a small head protruding from the entry! But not a barred owl. A screech owl. Before long a mate joined up with the other. Time passed as it always does. Many nights later, 40 perhaps, I shown my light on the tree to find both parents on either side of four owlets, sitting on a small limb. I was beyond delighted, Neil. I’m quite glad your post brought that back to me and now for you and others. Joy shared is joy doubled.
Thanks Gary and that sounds like an amazing experience! It's funny how the Eastern-Screech Owls took over the box you put out intended for Barred Owls. That must have been awesome as well to see the owlets!
I really like that 'who-cooks-for-you' call made by Barred Owls. Simply otherworldly.
How beautiful! These photos remind me of the winter when a tawny owl was always roosting in a hole like this in a tree alongside Edinburgh's Water of Leith
Thanks Juliet! I am hoping to see more of these little owls in the coming weeks and months.
I hope you do, owls are such wonderful birds
Wonderful photographs and very appropriate Sijo!
Thank you Michael and much appreciated!
Beautiful images Neil! I love the colors and the way the bird is tucked away. I’ve never photographed a screech owl, just hear their unique and beautiful sounds very often.
One night I was done fishing and one was right in my head lamp’s light as I walked through the woods and back to my truck. It looked so unbothered. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks James and much appreciated. Their sounds are definitely beautiful and their name doesn't really match I think.
That sounds like a great experience seeing one in your head lamp as well - the ones I have encountered definitely do not seem to bothered by much.
Loving all of this ❤️
Thank you Paolo and much appreciated.
Everything about this--the colors and the gorgeous textures--wow. So beautiful.
Thank you Ann - I was really fortunate that day to see this owl - their camouflage is really incredible.
It takes a sensitive eye trained by all the hours you’ve spent in that wild place. I feel like the blessings go both ways between you and the owl. Thank you for sharing that Neil.
quiet approach, create no karma.
Thanks Peter and I like this thought.
Such a beautiful and auspicious encounter, I believe. I love owls, and they are cutest when they are sleepy. 🥰 Beautiful pictures and words, as always. I especially loved the last line - applies to us all, such a mystery, isn't it? 🙂🙏
Thanks Grace and very much appreciated. I do not know what it is about owls but such a different connection than other birds. I can never quite identify that connection.
I feel they are my Spirit animal, have always been drawn to them. 😇
What a face! Fantastic pictures!
Thanks Wei Tam!
Such a gift, your encounter with the owl and the old slumber tree.
Thanks MK CREEL and much appreciated. This encounter was definitely an unexpected gift.
Fantastic photos, Neil! What a gift for you to find ... and you generously shared it with us. Thank you!
Thanks Jeanne and much appreciated and happy to share. :)
Incredible.
Thanks Sarah!
What a completely wonderful post, Neil! Many years ago I found a pattern to build tree-mounted nest boxes sized for barred owls. I built two and mounted them in oak trees about 75 feet apart. I began to think the barred owls had no idea of the “right” box to camp out in.
Two years passed. Coming home late one evening I thought I caught movement near one of the boxes. Going inside for a torch - I love the English term for a flashlight - I returned and approached the nest very slowly. The beam of light showed a small head protruding from the entry! But not a barred owl. A screech owl. Before long a mate joined up with the other. Time passed as it always does. Many nights later, 40 perhaps, I shown my light on the tree to find both parents on either side of four owlets, sitting on a small limb. I was beyond delighted, Neil. I’m quite glad your post brought that back to me and now for you and others. Joy shared is joy doubled.
Thanks Gary and that sounds like an amazing experience! It's funny how the Eastern-Screech Owls took over the box you put out intended for Barred Owls. That must have been awesome as well to see the owlets!
Wonderful encounter with the owl, Neil! The poem and photos really speak to the keen presence of both of you.
Thanks Heidi and much appreciated! I have been fortunate to see them in this tree over the years and they tend to be pretty chill and relaxed.
I love those little guys, their night or early a.m. calls!
Same as me Mary! I like that trilling call they make! :)
Amazing how the owl blends right into the bark of the tree! Lucky shot! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Carole! You're right their camouflage blends so well with the colours of the tree.