Friend Owl

  Friend Owl was back early this morning.   Standing on the back porch, I heard the familiar "cackling" noise that preceded the ruckus of yesterday.  This time armed with both the camera AND a mug of coffee, I slipped down to the marsh edge.  There on the same branch sat Friend Owl.  The little guy must really like this area.  Perhaps there is plenty for it to catch while sitting so close to both shore and water.  The limb where he sits is directly over water during high tide.  Since owls are not choosy about their prey, a frog, small snake or duckling may be snatched from the water while a mouse, vole, lizard or baby birds can be easily taken from the shore.  Much like yesterday, Friend Owl did not budge when I fought my way into the underbrush.  Any other bird would have made haste with such a noisy entrance that I was making!

  This time, I talked with the owl as it sat staring at me.  I figured that I may as well make friends with it since we both seem to have an interest in each other.  The critter would cock his head to one side as if listening to my every word.  After a bit, I informed him that it was time for me to take a few photographs.  Again, it did not budge.  This is one stubborn owl!  Since the sun was just starting to rise in the east, the owl and I were quite sheltered by the canopy of leaves above us.  With such a dim light, I needed to use the flash on the camera.  This did not bother the bird one iota.  He and I shared a good twenty minutes in the midst of palmettos and Sweetspire.  I was the first to move since I suddenly felt like bugs were starting to crawl up my legs!  Time to vacate the swamp!

  Once I looked at the photographs of today, I pondered about my friend. The photograph taken with the flash shows one eye normal but the other glowing a bluish grey.  I sure hope the bird is not injured in some way! Oh, Friend Owl, I do hope you are well.  If all goes well and the owl returns in the morning, I will check the eye closer.  Perhaps if it is having problems, I can find some way of helping it find food.  Yeah....I do care far too much about the critters around here.