Late one night, my son and I were startled by an extremely loud "WHO-WHOOO" coming from the backyard. Quickly, we grabbed a flashlight and tip-toed outside to the newly planted garden.

“WHO-WHOOO!”

Hidden somewhere in the lush fall foliage of the Liquid Amber tree that overlooks the backyard was an owl.

“WHO-WHOOO!"

“Where is it?” I whispered. “Can you see it?”

“No. The leaves are too dense, but it sounds as if it's coming from that area up there." My son aimed the flashlight at a branch about two-thirds of the way up the tree.

To our complete astonishment, an enormous great-horned owl suddenly hopped forward into the spotlight and revealed itself. It stood fully illuminated, head turning, huge eyes blinking.

 

Regal and calm, the owl remained in the light, while two humans watched in humbled silence. 

After a while, I tapped my son on the shoulder. Quietly, respectfully, we went back inside the house. Later, as I drifted to sleep, I could still hear Owl casting blessings on the garden.

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