About Me

My photo
I am a retired English teacher and department head, the mother of three grand mother of four, and have been married to the same man for 52 years. I subscribe to Dr. PM Forni's concept of Civility. I was born in South Philadelphia and grew up in the 'burbs. I love soft pretzels and cheesesteaks, the Phillies, the Eagles, and San Diego. I love being Mom, Aunt Kathy, Nona Kathy, and Teacher. I spend a lot of time in my gardens in the spring and summer, and in the winter I plan what I'm going to plant. I also am an avid reader and photographer.

Translator!

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Stealth

We haven't heard the owls for at least a year.  Every evening I listen for the very distinctive hoot  "Who cooks for youuuu" of the barred owl .  Last evening though, after dinner, I spotted not one, but two that had flown into our yard.  At first I thought they were large hawks, but when I realized I what I was looking at was even more delighted.  They didn't make a sound and were intent on something in the brush (we think they found a rabbit nest).  Husband stealthily walked out and snapped a few photos -- none of which are great.  This one is terrible, but the best of the three.


We are both amazed at owls and feel so lucky to have seen them.  I'm still wondering why, though, they've been so quiet.    

13 comments:

I'm With Stupid said...

Owls are really cool and even a little scary. Sometimes they don't seem to be afraid of people at all.

Jay

Mage said...

How great. We have a hawk, a few crows, and about a hundred parrots. Not one owl. :)

Linda said...

I love owls. Wish I had one near me. I love to listen to owls. You are lucky.

happyone said...

I haven't seen any on my walks this year either.
Pretty cool to have them in your yard!!

Sweet Virginia Breeze said...

It's been ages since I've seen an owl. I would love to have one visit our yard.

Sally Wessely said...

Cool. Your husband was quite sneaky and very wise in the way he was able to get this photo of the owl. It has been along time since I have seen an owl.

Gilly said...

Haven't seen an owl for ages. I rather think the calls are for mating reasons - so perhaps they are all paired off and no reason to call for a mate?

We do get them in the big trees in the park beyond our garden, but I haven't seen one except once as a big shape rushing past!

Forsythia said...

Lucky you! Two owls. I am so envious.

Lena said...

I have never seen an owl. And you had 2 right in your back yard! Amazing!
So cool your husband got pictures!

Cheryl said...

Oh, lucky you. I'd love to see an owl. I'm glad you got to see them!!!

Kell said...

I love owls and wish I saw more of them. I saw one this spring while I was walking the dogs through some woods. It landed on limb just in front of us but when I got my phone out to take a picture and the battery was dead! Worse, it swooped off the limb and flew right by my head, and I couldn't video it! Oh well. At least I can enjoy your pictures.

Kay said...

Oh, that's so exciting! I have the worst time taking bird photos. They always fly away before I get my shutter clicked. I don't think I've ever seen an owl in the wild.

Cobalt Violet said...

Love seeing any out of the ordinary nature ... well, maybe I would not be so happy to see a mountain lion but an owl, yes!

My niece and I pulled over one night when we saw a big owl on a tall wooden post. we were so excited, we were screaming with excitement inside the car, like we'd seen a UFO.

Anyway, I totally get it. :)