Clarity - The Great Horned Owl
Clarity - "We are all visionaries and what we see is our soul in things." Henri Amiel
Oftentimes walking into the woods brings a clarity to the mind that may escape us at other more stressful and hectic moments. We reconnect with our sense of purpose. We confront different scenes and different challenges as we travel along the path. Surrounded by nature's elements, the artificiality of concrete, stone and mortar – or the wires and buzzes of technology- fade away. We can touch what is most important to our well being and sense where our next steps must go. The way to clarity lies in careful observation – looking both outward and inward. Like the owl, we must stay focused but pivot our heads, perhaps a full 180 degrees. Next, are the questions that we must ask. Like the owl, our minds form a perpetual question. What would be best in the long term? What would be the happiest choice? Finally, we must listen with the keenness of the owl. We must listen as our heart and head to put together the answer. Who? Who will we become in the next moments, in our coming decisions?
The Great Horned Owl hunting at night
The Great Horned Owl
Huge eyes scanning
Up and down the horizon
Talons readied
Patiently waiting
To swoop and taste
With a wing span that can reach out to make a five foot flying machine, the Great Horned Owl can wait patiently overhead, almost hidden amidst the branches. They are mostly brown with darker brown feathers on their chests and white feathers around their necks. The white tufts of feathers next to their ears and their size gave them their names when the first pioneers spotted them. Their eyes do not move, although their necks can swivel quite far. Their eyes have an uncanny ability to spot even the smallest of mice or unlucky voles. Early morning and evening are favorite times for their distinctive call. They are readying for a hunt and eager to find breakfast or dinner. The owl prefers to hunt at night but will take any opportunity. Its varied diet allows it to see the world as one giant, mall of restaurants, with variety for all its tastes.
Although a fairly common bird in the woods, the owl actually prefers areas with a degree of clearing nearby to facilitate hunting. They tend to use the nest of other large birds such as crows to lay their eggs in the middle part of winter to spring, when the nights are still long. Their young hatch earlier than most as a consequence, after about 45 days. The Great Horned Owl is constantly wary, looking and listening with their keen eyes and ears for danger or a meal. Beautiful in soaring height or in watchfulness, they have fixed clarity of purpose!
“A wise old owl sat on an oak; The more he saw the less he spoke; The less he spoke the more he heard; Why aren't we like that wise old bird?”
Huge eyes scanning
Up and down the horizon
Talons readied
Patiently waiting
To swoop and taste
With a wing span that can reach out to make a five foot flying machine, the Great Horned Owl can wait patiently overhead, almost hidden amidst the branches. They are mostly brown with darker brown feathers on their chests and white feathers around their necks. The white tufts of feathers next to their ears and their size gave them their names when the first pioneers spotted them. Their eyes do not move, although their necks can swivel quite far. Their eyes have an uncanny ability to spot even the smallest of mice or unlucky voles. Early morning and evening are favorite times for their distinctive call. They are readying for a hunt and eager to find breakfast or dinner. The owl prefers to hunt at night but will take any opportunity. Its varied diet allows it to see the world as one giant, mall of restaurants, with variety for all its tastes.
Although a fairly common bird in the woods, the owl actually prefers areas with a degree of clearing nearby to facilitate hunting. They tend to use the nest of other large birds such as crows to lay their eggs in the middle part of winter to spring, when the nights are still long. Their young hatch earlier than most as a consequence, after about 45 days. The Great Horned Owl is constantly wary, looking and listening with their keen eyes and ears for danger or a meal. Beautiful in soaring height or in watchfulness, they have fixed clarity of purpose!
“A wise old owl sat on an oak; The more he saw the less he spoke; The less he spoke the more he heard; Why aren't we like that wise old bird?”
