Owl Visit

The sound of squirrels warning the forest of danger. 

I looked up to see a Great Gray Owl glide over the pond to land on a stump. 

Sitting, looking around then hopped to the ground. 

Ripples danced through the ponds surface as the owl took a morning bath in shallow water. 

Then hopped back up on the stump, shaking this way and that. 

Lifting into the air, silently landing on a limb. 

Watch the video as it shakes and dries from it's bath. Then breaks a branch that is in it's way. In the smoky morning air (see golden smoky light on it's back).

  I got to sit and watch for 45 min. As this owl was in no rush to leave. 

it knew I was there

but 

did not seem to care

flying further away

down to the earth near a creek

for a drink

~

It is super smoky these days

so many wildfires

the owl was a wonderful experience 

among our hard to breath days

 a glimpse:

and

I am hearing that the fires will not be out

until

the snow falls

~

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Recent Glimpses

Murphy Lake

before the wildfires began

it is too smoky these days from many fires in our area to be out wandering

so many of us have sore throats, headaches, asthma etc.

so i will share some glimpses from my woods

above

evidence of a sapsucker

beautiful design

not good for trees

beautiful visitor 

came to eat service berries

it has been a very dry and hot summer

so not many mosquitos

usually there are zillions of the bloodsuckers

for the first time i could put the hammock up and laze in the shade on hot summer days

(that is peppermint drying)

if one is lucky

there are a couple late wild straberries

SO very tiny

 

first time that i have seen a toothbrush Caterpillar

such an interesting fancy critter!

lovely twisted stalk berry

a tiny bit edible

~

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