The sage owl

I spotted this owl on my walk the other day. Someone had carefully shaped pieces of bark to form a body, wings and tufts of feathers above the head. Two acorn shells mimicked the distinctive round eyes of an owl. The woodsy owl blended in with its environment. It’s easy to miss.

As I looked into its acorn eyes for the first time I imagined the owl thinking “Well, it’s about time you saw me.” You see, I have walked this trail many times and never noticed it before. I only spotted the owl because I had stopped to sit on a stump.

Refreshed, I stood up and turned around. Then I realized the owl was not alone. There was a whole family of smaller owls perched on a curved piece of wood. And a partner on a nearby branch. All crafted in the same way. Tiny works of art tucked into the forest greenery. Unseen by me until today.

Until I stopped. I am glad I did.