he Daily Bucket is a regular feature of the Backyard Science group. It is a place to note any observations you have made of the world around you. Rain, sun, wind...insects, birds, flowers...meteorites, rocks...seasonal changes...all are worthy additions to the Bucket. Please let us know what is going on around you in a comment, and do include, as close as is comfortable for you, where you are located
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Seattle. December 19, 2013.
Rain came again this week, not a lot, just enough to quiet the autumn layer of fallen leaves as we make our way through the Forest. I am content just walking in the damp, letting Bill-the-Dog lead me. He stops again and again and again, devouring the earth with his nose. The newly thawed duff must have released a delight of aromas, though I cannot comprehend them. We meander, down by the now defunct hatchery and then up onto one of the most hidden trails. There is a log up this path where I like to sit in a still way. It's a good destination.
The trail is steep at first, levels as it cuts around an old Doug Fir then opens for a bit, just wet Salal and Sword Fern brushing my legs. I am glad to have pulled out my rain boots, rubber up to my knees.
Bill moves ahead of me, following his nose. A shadow breaks from the lowest branches of a young Cedar as he passes underneath.
Owl.
This trail belongs to the southern pair of Barred Owls. I found the remains of their eggs nearby one spring, and watched one of them hunt here earlier this year, but have not seen either of them since this year's kids moved on.
I let Bill do his nose thing, push by him to search the trees beyond. I'm not disappointed. One of the owls is perched on a low branch, watching me in an aloof manner. I look at the owl. The owl looks at me.
This one is not an owl I recognize. This one is tall and dark and narrow. This one has a tiny head and dark eyes. This one has kitty ears. This one is not a Barred Owl.
Twice in all of my years walking in the Forest I've heard the call of a Great Horned Owl. Both times the hair on the the back of my neck stood up. It might be the deep register of the voice that affects me that way, or the resonance. I don't know, but I do know that I've never seen a Great Horned Owl in the Forest.
Until today.
December 19, 2103. One Great Horned Owl is present in the Forest.
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Happy Solstice!
Your turn now. What's the nature gossip in your neighborhood? Everyone is welcome to add their observations to the Bucket.
I'll be away mid afternoon, and around the rest of the day.