Owls and Snails

The saga continues that I get sidetracked from my hunt for a frog and find some other treasure. I went out walking pretty late, but was home before the bats came out. Today I found a beauty of a snail, a Great Blue Heron at rest on a log until it saw me and departed with the grandeur of a forest angel. Then I saw one other huge bird swoop through the trees just over my head, I suspect it was an owl but it landed so high and was quickly hidden in the canopy. I can only guess that it might have been a Great Horned Owl or a Barred Owl. They both live in these parts.

A few weeks ago, the biggest treat of this summer was to see the baby barn owls that live in the hayloft above my horse. They have heart shaped faces and intensely dark eyes. Their facial proportions are so pleasing there must be some golden rule at work. They are learning to hunt, but are evidently not sure what do do with their prey because we have found a few rodents resting in peace in the middle of the area that is near the loft nest. The babies there have inspired me to create an owl kaleidoscope for coloring.

I found a great resource for Barn Owls through the Fraser Valley Conservancy. Here is the Owl PDF.

I should add that I was not completely bust in my frog hunt. I clearly heard a male bullfrog croaking just as I was heading off the trail. I know I will see him eventually, the anticipation is making it more fun. I wonder what I will come across next while I’m looking for a frog.