From Tree Line to Coffee Time: A Wild Morning Encounter
Mike McQuade
One of the great advantages of living in the country and working from home is the chance to witness the wildlife that wanders through our yard throughout the day.
In winter, we often see deer crossing the property—sometimes even bedding down along the tree line for a midday rest. Flocks of turkeys strut by like they own the place, and every now and then a fox makes a quick, stealthy appearance.
But our most cherished visitor is a barred owl. While we’ve seen other owls and even the occasional red-tailed hawk, this particular barred owl feels more like a neighbor than a passerby.
This morning, as I sat at my desk processing an image, a flash of white caught the corner of my eye. Seconds later, I realized the owl had just flown past my window and landed on a branch about 25 feet away. (Apologies for the quality of the first few photos—snapped quickly through a glass window and screen with my phone.)
About ten minutes later, it vanished from the branch, and I assumed it had flown off into the woods. But when I headed to the kitchen for coffee, I was stunned to see the owl perched calmly on our deck railing—no more than six feet from the window. In one of the photos, you can even spot the coffee maker, giving a sense of just how close we were to this feathered marvel.
Thankfully, I’d brought my camera bag back up to the office the day before, which meant I was able to get a few better images this time.
Eventually, the owl glided off again—this time to a different branch just outside my office window.
These are the moments I’ll miss dearly if we ever move from this home. They’re unscripted, magical, and a constant reminder of the quiet wonder that surrounds us when we simply slow down and look.
As I finish up writing this post, the owl it sill resting outside my office window, like an old friend patiently waiting for me to spend some time with him.