Thankful and Grateful – November 12

Waiting for dark – A Great horned owl

As crazy as this may sound, I am thankful for Great horned owls. I have photographed many. I have had conversations with some, one in particular in a cemetery while we looked directly into each other’s eyes. Yes, this is true! Maybe I should write a children’s book on our particular conversation.

I have seen many in aerobatic flight making their way through hackberry and pine trees making me jelly with envy. I have been so near to some when they flew over me, I felt the pressure change in the air from the power of their flapping wings.

I know after a prescribed burn they move into the newly burn area taking up new residence. It’s like they know their meals will be easier to catch amongst the newly growing grass. They are the only bird who rarely flies away when they see me. It is like these owls sense I am not going to harm them. The bestest part is how their voices carry with the winds, bringing a deep musical cadence to the night with their soft hooting of hoo-h’HOO-hoo-hoo

Today, I am grateful for Great horned owls.