WOL

Do you remember the smartest animal from Hundred Acre Wood? Wol was deemed the most intelligent because until Christopher Robin went to school, he was the only animal who could spell his own name. (W-O-L) Martinez had a family of fairly prominent barn owls living in Assmblyman DeSaulneir’s palm tree, and many was the morning I’d stop off after the beavers to watch their progress. In the evenings when we sat outside for dinner we would hear the flap overhead and the chitter of their echolocation, then see them hunting for food. It was through these observations I saw that there were not one but three adults living in this owl colony, and in July photographed a fledging, which I had to add to this film to finish the story.

Humans can make bad decisions about beavers and owls. In September the tree was completely shaved and the owls displaced. I called Assemblyman DeSaulnier’s office in horror and was anxiously assured that it was a decision made by the landlord and they knew nothing about it. Perhaps. Ever since that time I’ve watched closely to see where the family would settle next, and have been disappointed that they remain incognito.

Last week that changed.

On Thursday night we sat on the patio enjoying the shifting weather and heard a familiar sound. THREE owls were flying overhead, hunting for food. I can’t tell you how happy this makes me. This means that they are living somewhere nearby. I’ve been checking all the tall trees in the area for bird droppings and owl pellets without success, but it’s only a matter of time. The owls aren’t far away from their original home, and if we all keep looking up someone will see them soon.

Happy hunting!