An Encounter with a Barn Owl

Being grateful for the little moments that make us stop and look. For a short time we are transported to a magical place. Put yourself in the situation to be able to find these moments. It takes work.

Living in the moment. A place that presses the reset button in our brain. To stop and observe, to be part of what we are seeing is to witness the moment fully. Our world closes in to that moment and for a brief passage of time, nothing else exists. This is a powerful place.

Walking today, snow still lying, frozen hard by the cold and passage of feet, on the back road. Fields each side, also white with snow, divided by walls of grey with white frosty tops. The dark blue of the early predawn sky broken with hazy clouds racing away to faraway places. Visibility poor in this place of half-light, half dark. Trees in the distance, the black skeletons contrasting sharply with the cloudy sky.

My feet crunch on the ice, the wind blows hard, hands deep in pockets, body deep in coat. A movement catches my eye, across the field, a shadow of white takes flight from the wall. A ghostly shape of white camouflaged against the fields and sky. A barn owl's distinctive shape labours in the wind, barrel body and stumpy wings.

I am always surprised these can fly at all. I stand still to watch. To revel in the beauty, the feeling that fills me when I see one of these beautiful birds. Watching in this poor light, it seems to disappear and then reappear as it flies to and fro across the fields. Hiding in clear sight before banking hard and becoming visible again. It's lumpy, jumpy flight takes it downhill away from me. Blown on the wind and maybe seeking shelter. I lose it as it approaches the trees. I hope with full belly and a hole in tree to rest up until dusk maybe lures it out again to hunt.

In these moments,  a few minutes only, my world shrinks. To that one moment, that jumpy flight, to marvel at the magic happening before me. The wind ceases to blow, the cold disappears, I stand taller and raise my head and gaze. Hoping to see more, to see the wonder of nature. Brain reset button pressed. I continue my walk.

Feet crunching, cold seeping upon me, blown by the wind which has reappeared. But lighter of step and feeling a bit warmer. To have shared a moment. That has made my morning. Grateful for the sight, grateful for getting out and walking, grateful for being able to share this.