It was damp, cold, and drizzling. Then the drizzle turned into real rain. I have to admit, I was not looking forward to it. The sofa and my knitting bag were calling my name. However, we had to go to the store anyway and the woods was on the way back. So we donned our raincoats and headed out.
Through the pine tree forest, the path covered with brown needles and patches of lime green moss. It was just us and millions of raindrops. We wandered around for a while, up to Nut Hill, along the tall grasses at the edge of the field, then over the old stone wall and back into the forest. We were exploring a new path and the little babe was ahead of me. Just as I was saying that it was a dead end at the houses and we have to turn back, she said she saw a hawk. When she pointed it out to me and I saw the smooth head turn, I realized it was an owl! It dipped its head slightly and looked at us, perhaps wondering who dares to disturb it on such a miserable day. It then lifted off in classic silent owl fashion and flew to a cluster of pines. We left the path and quietly bushwhacked toward the trees. We were able to get right beneath him, standing there with hoods pushed back so we could see through the drip drops. The owl allowed us several minutes of gawking, then he again lifted off and flew through the forest.
And then, it was just like in Owl Moon. After the sighting, the need to be silent was over. We exhaled, laughing and exclaiming in amazement at our luck. If we hadn't tried that path, if we had gone down to the park instead, if I had not listened to my little babe saying, "I don't care if it is raining, I just want to get out. We have rain coats Mom.", then we would not have seen this owl. And so I apologized to the little babe, telling her that it was a great idea to come into the woods in the rain. It is almost always a good idea to head into the woods for a while. We always see something interesting, just some days are better than others. This was a great rainy day.
(Look closely right in the middle of the picture, looking for the streaked white chest. It is a Barred Owl.)