Sightings, Fall/Winter

2006-2007

I am a baby roadrunner!

It would have been on the 19th that we were sitting in the living room watching TV and could suddenly hear the loud sounds of the big old owl. It was close by and I'd wondered if it would get the dogs all barking. Then it moved in even closer and Max and Lady were barking and dancing in circles. I went out and did a few hoot-hoots. Then I told the kids to listen and we could hear that the owl had moved further away and we could still hear him but they did a good job to chase him away. I like that he stays around to eat the rats and snakes but he sure gets the kids upset.

It had just turned from Christmas to the day after and I was called outside to the sound of all dogs barking. Max doesn't bark unless it is a real need for me to come out and see what's up. I waited about 2 minutes to finish preparing the supper dishes for Beau and Sammy and took them out with me. But Max is barking at the roof at the west end of the house. What could possibly be on the roof. 

It wasn't on the roof, it was on top of the utility pole in the light of the guard light. Big as life, which would be over 2 foot tall, was an owl. He was making no sound but when I gave him a hoot-hoot, he flew away. What a sight. I hear a lot of sounds in the night and often wonder if we still have owls since it's been years since I'd seen one or if perhaps it was just some doves, cooing in the dark. Hope this big bird is enjoying eating lots of rodents and snakes. We do so have plenty of them.

It was about the 20th of November and just before the artic blast hit. It was also just before our pump went out and we had no running water. That included any water leaks. I had gone outside and had just rounded the corner of the house to see a robin playing in the water pan under the leak at the series of faucets. When I had noticed that the pan was full of leaves, I would clean it out and let it fill back up with water. I hadn't seen the robin at the big pans of water but this little one was taking a big time splashing bath; having ever so much fun. Then there was no water for over a week and the pan was left empty and full of sand and leaves. Now, I can again keep it full of clean water. Hope the little bird family is still around. They are ever so elusive.