Walk on the Wildside

Wandering through the bracken in between showers with Vulcan and Isis, I was taken by surprise when a fledgling Tawny Owl swooped down from its perch in the trees onto the path. His wings brushed Vulcan's ear as he sailed overhead, still shakey in his manoeuvers.  Elementary flying skills and a lack of co-ordination added humour to the spectacle. Biggles he was not!

Our surprise was tangible when the woodland highway man landed and introduced himself.  Curious, he swivelled his head 180 degrees to study us closely.  Each time we took a step forward he would paddle his wings through the bracken a couple of feet, matching our pace. The dogs were equally intrigued; quietly they waited as he led us through the copse. 

After ten minutes, as we all acclimatised to the situation and the little Tawney Owl closed the gap between us. For a few moments we walked as one; it was a magical encounter.