Getting Closer!

  Friend Owl is still coming to the same little sapling where I first found the bird.  Where it used to fly away when I ventured too near, I can now almost reach out and touch the bird.  Several times a day, I make the hike down behind the greenhouse to the marsh edge.  If the owl is not there, I can wait for just a few minutes and really listen, I can hear the soft rustle of branches as the bird silently flies to its perch.  Friend Owl comes to visit me so I talk to it and make it feel welcome.

  This tiny Screech Owl has become somewhat of a personal quest for me.  I am determined to make it realize that I mean no harm.  Obviously, the owl is as curious about me as I am it.  Obviously, it has overcome an fear of me.  Even more obvious, is the fact that the bird recognizes me. Still, the more I get to know the bird, the more I fear that it does have a vision problem.  

  Recently, I noticed that its perch is directly above a vole run.  An old rotted stump has several holes that lead deep underground.  The holes show evidence that they are active exits of a busy run.  Perhaps the tiny Screech Owl is able to catch voles as they come out of hiding at night. This would make me admire the bird even more.  The voles are my nemeses.  I abhor those critters simply because they ruin my garden with their tunneling and because they multiply at such a rapid rate.  With the Bayou Queen, Ms. Put, unable to fulfill her catlike duties due to age and failing health, perhaps the Screech Owl will take her place as Chief Rat-Killer.  

  In the meantime, I shall continue my trice daily hikes to the "owl sapling" to talk with a bird.  I will continue to offer it my friendship and will continue to hope for the best concerning its eyesight. I love this wee, little bird!