We go to the woods, and we observe emerging trees. A new forest grows up under our feet.
Something about this brave little tree makes me so happy. Hello! I’m here!
So far, Spring Break includes walking in the woods and across the meadows. We hunt for antlers.
Later, we go owling with the neighbors. I learn about owling from Jane Yolen’s book Owl Moon. You go into the woods as the sun sets and the moon rises.
You bring your flashlights. You stay very quiet, and you listen for the soft hooting of owls.
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| Owling Under the Moon © Live with Flair |
When you hear them, you shine your light and try to find them in the night.
For a city girl who once wanted bustle and glitz, I can’t believe the truth of it: I’m owling right now. Walking in silence, holding a little hand in the cold, dark woods, I find a peace settling down in my heart. It comes up from the forest floor and descends from the tallest trees. It swoops down, calling out to us if we listen.
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Have you ever in your life gone owling?
0 Responses
No, I haven't, but Jane Yolen (and now you) make me want to.
We actually have gone owling–early in our marriage, with a “professional” owling group. They knew how to “call” the owls. It has become a very treasured memory (and a funny one–we can still imitate the owl calls!) So glad you enjoyed your moonlit night walk!
The closest I have come was on a visit to the U of Vermont early one spring. Suddenly the neighbor pops through the door into the kitchen announcing a huge owl sitting in a tree a few houses down. Forget dinner, we hurriedly pull on jackets and run out the door. We weren't disappointed.
PS. Glad to be back after some computer snafus! 🙂
So glad you're back!!
I just love the image of folks racing out the door to see the huge owl!
You'll have to imitate them for me when next I see you!!!
Wish you were nearby, and we could go tonight! However, it IS snowing and rather cold in PA right now!
As a former “twitcher” (=a bit too serious birdwatcher) I used to go out and listen for owls just to be able to put the species on my “species I have seen” list… (hearing counts as seeing…)
Your article remind me about the fun and excitement of it. Thanks!
This is the right time of year for it (at least in N Europe and North America) because they hoot more during the mating season.
But the flashlights… Be careful not to blind the owls with them because then they might have to stay hungry because their nightvision gets messed up…
On the other hand – one or two rodents get happy!
The Furries & the Happy Club
http://www.furries-happyclub.com/
We want to put a smile on peoples faces!
Thank you for commenting, The Furries and the Happy Club! I hadn't considered that the flashlight might disturb the owl's nightvision. Thank you so much for the warning!