As I wander the lanes and tracks of the east midlands I am sometimes blessed with a sighting of a barn owl. There are often images to conjure the very essence of a place. Usually they are reduced to the level of sports teams or a flag of some kind, but for me the presence of this bird captures the spirit of the lands I walk. From the Fens to the east to the rolling fields and hedgerows between woodlands I have seen the distinctive whites of the barn owl and every time I have been close to one in flight I have not caught the sound of the wing beats.
My latest sighting was during the week. I decided to take a short drive to a nearby woodland to wander for a couple of hours. It seemed fortune was smiling on me as I had the darkness of the country lanes to myself, unlike most motorists I take the opportunity to drive more slowly when there is no need to keep with the flow of the traffic. I find I am able to relax and take in more of my surroundings. The headlights picked out an occasional aging rural home among the hedgerows and fields as I rolled down the country lanes. In the distance was the dark bank of woodland trees sitting below a clear night sky where the call of the tawny owl would be there to greet me on my arrival. Rounding a gentle corner I noticed a familiar white shape within the naked branches of a winter tree. The barn owl barely cast a glance at me, but remained still aside from a turning of the head to survey the land around us, no doubt keeping a look out for the next mouse of vole to break cover. I slowed as much as I could by dipping the clutch and coasting to reduce the engine noise as well as prolonging the sighting but I had no wish to stop and disturb the bird.Once I had passed beneath the owl I lifted the clutch and regained a little speed. My thoughts passed to other bloggers who seem to enjoy the sights and sounds of an owl within the night. From Casey at the Snapping Twigs blog , to Earthen Magic down in the southern hemisphere and Lloyd Kahn over in California. It seems the humble owl holds a special place and a certain company for those who are willing to wander and perceive in the darkness. I have added the links for their blogs below should you wish to visit. I should also pass on a thank you to my friend Dan's daughters Ella & Rosa who accidentally gave me the nickname I write this blog under.
...thankyoU for this share Owl! ~ sO wonderful!...
ReplyDelete...here ~ all had been quiet ~ after the passing of ~ mr magoo aka miss turloise ~ until twilight last even-song!...
...one of the wild tawnys ~ sang a small gentle song ~ then flew very close to me ~ his beating wings silent as a well oiled machine at midnight ~ in preparation for a feast of delectable morsals!...
...i gazed around me ~ in wonder ~ the biodiversity of the mother ~ the awesomeness ~ the perfect harmony ~ of her cloak and mantle ~ and all contributing factors that embrace her exquisite presence...
...then, i came inside ~ went to my laptop ~ and found your post!...
...yes! ~ the synchronicity! ~ amazing! ~ may the week ahead be an exciting journey! ~ with the jewels of magic within our world! ~ blessed be! ~ kindred brother!...
You are most welcome. Sounds like a fantastic & most relaxing evening, It has been enjoyable to see your images and words for your tawnys, they are quite shy around here. Often heard but not often seen.
ReplyDeleteAs always, thank you for taking the time to visit, comment and for sharing your experiences on your blog. I have no doubt those who visit are richer for beauty and understanding and all for the simple price of a click of a mouse!
I hope your wanders are peaceful & inspiring :o)
...thankyoU Owl! ~ for your reply! ~ and for the peek ~ into your world! ~ and sharing such amazing art work!...
Delete...i do sO look forward to your wonderful posts and sketches! ~ blessed be dear kindred!...