Owlish

I meant to post something about the owl, but got sidetracked. Laurie's comment reminded me I'd forgotten something - he's back!

Is it completely ridiculous that I grin whenever I see him? Today, he stared right at me while I fed the birds and outdoor kitties. At least he didn't hop back into the tree or fly away - so maybe we'll be friends after all. Some of the original posts are here, here, and here, if you're interested.

A windy day, an interested, interesting owl, and a few minutes playing the flute to the birds, including a short musical conversation with a mourning dove, and I felt a wee better this afternoon. Stupid depression. Stupid misfiring neurons. Sigh.

Here are a couple more craptastic, out of focus shots of the owl - hope springs eternal that one of these days I'll get a good one of him!

Owlish

I caught a glimpse of the owl this morning.

I know, big deal. Well, it was a bit of a big deal, since yesterday he was nowhere to be seen. Usually, he'll hang out on the end of his branch for a bit during the day - maybe just a few minutes, but I swear, it's like he's waiting for me to see him and smile before he goes back in. Yesterday, he didn't show up, and I was worried. Especially when the blue jays were landing on his branch with impunity.

I told mum I hoped he hadn't gotten tree-sick and fallen off his branch or something. She laughed, and so did I...I mean, come on, can't you just see it? Poor little owl, turning a little green and...plop! It's been so windy of late, I know he's had some wild rides. I think yesterday he hung out by the trunk because it's quieter there. Smart bird.

I can still see him, head tucked down, eyes closed, perched in his usual place. I must say, my heart lifted a little to see him there.

Here comes the wind again.

A Rainy Day

This morning, I woke to a room cool with shadows, large pillow at my back, arms wrapped around the bunched-up comforter. Thunder rumbled in the far distance, a comfortable, snuggled-into-bed kind of sound. Maya the cat was nestled in with me, purring softly, nose tucked under tail. Her purring made a counterpoint to the thunder. Ki, another cat, was curled up with her, making a feline Gordian Knot.

Rainy morning wake-ups can be such luxurious things - when you can sleep late, wake slowly (no phone ringing, nowhere to be, child still sleeping), and come gently into the day. I've long enjoyed waking up to long, rolling thunder, the patter of rain on the roof, the grey light and the silver wet.

Last night, I once again pulled a muscle in my neck - it's the same one, over and over, and I think I need a new pillow or it'll keep happening. It hurts to turn my head, aches all the way down into my shoulder. I didn't sleep well until around five or six this morning, so being let to sleep in, having life, the universe, and everything scheme to give me a lovely morning like this one, well...I sure do appreciate it.

I had enough time before Bird woke up to make a bit of breakfast and check on the owl to see if if he was still there - he is. I wonder what he thinks of rainy days? Maybe he just sleeps right through them. Bird and I will certainly be having a laid-back day. A bake-cookies kind of day. A banana bread day. A laundry and snoozing on the recliner day. A rainy day.

Feeling Silly

Yes I am.

I was sitting here minding my own business, staring out the window at the owl and wondering what they dream about, listening to the neighbor's grandkids shrieking, giggling, and generally having a fine time in his yard, and I suddenly thought of this:

If a group of geese = a gaggle,

Then does:

A group of girls = a giggle?

A group of researchers = a Google?

A group of skiers = a goggle?

A group of peeping Toms = an ogle?

I could go on, but I really don't want to be pelted with olives or whatever.

What was in that Bisquick waffle, anyway??

Regarding Owly

Because I'm sure the two or three folks who read this are just desperate to know...

I believe the owl may have decided to stay. For four days he's been in his spot in the tree outside our window. Today was windy, and he was holding on for dear life, but he was there. I think he knows I'm watching him - every now and them I swear he looks right in the window and winks at me. He's a flirt!

I haven't gone looking for owl pellets, yet, although I read that they produce several of them each day. I wonder if they freeze well? And if I freeze some, will anyone ever eat anything I've cooked from the freezer again? Hmm...

Today, one of the neighbor's cats paused under the owl tree and looked up. I swear, the cat was thinking "Holy crap, that's the biggest chicken I've ever seen!" I imagine the owl was thinking "Here, kitty, kitty..."

I just thought you'd like to know.

Sorry, I mistook your dress!

Ah hah! I have been informed by the stepmum of all things birdish and by a lovely person from the actual owl pages who (I hope) wasn't looking to hunt me down and smack me upside the head for the egregious crimes of not knowing my owlish pal's proper sort and stealing her pictures...pant, pant...that what we have is, in fact, an Eastern Screech Owl. My stepmum said something about Rufuss, but I don't know the owl's name and am not about to ask - I think he's shy. (Kidding, I know what she meant, please don't flood me with messages both correcting me and calling me a monumental dumbass!!!) I know how that is - I am always awkward around new folks, too.

So, here's a proper picture (once more robbed borrowed from http://www.owlpages.com/) of an Eastern Screech Owl:

And my giant red squirrel new friend:
What do you think? Are they one and the same? I believe so...the coloring is much closer.

Kudos to S (my stepmum) for making the effort over the phone, and it wasn't a video phone either. And for using my blurry, Bigfoot-like picture to narrow it down. Also to D from Owlpage.com for identifying him with the same crappy picture. They both need to join some of those Yeti-watching expeditions and save us from grainy photo hell! Or the alien groups. Either one could use the help!I am happy to know what kind of neighbors we have moving in here, and T is somewhat less thrilled at the idea of a permanent resident who makes screeching noises. Heh.

I still have no idea if it'll stay. I may have some better pictures of it if I ever figure out how to load the video camera contents onto the computer via cable gizmo, and then onto YouTube (where it will receive the fewest hits ever) and then link it to...whew, OK, I'm exhausted and am now going to rest, have some tea, and try to think of ways to talk our feathery delight back tomorrow.