Again we started later than we should have for our daily evening walk at North Dam Park. but boy did we receive a surprise from nature! We witnessed quite a tale…
A Surprise
Yellow fluttering of autumn leaves on elm and locust trees added a dazzling, yet delicate charm to our daily evening walk when from behind and just above us and through the branches, a dark shape with long wings slipped past the tree ahead, turning into the sun so its head shone white
“An eagle?”
The bird rose up again, high above, its midnight blackness shimmering in sun’s brightness its croaking a low gurgle—
“Raven!”
A soft whoosh blew by, just above our heads— a mottled full-body flapping soundless below an elm’s branch—
“an owl?”
and on up to land in another hidden by shadowed branches and still quivering golden leaves followed by a second raven: “Caw” Both ravens dove in grabbing with grey feet the elm’s branches— three birds hidden in the drab limbs of sunset— raven, wings in kerfuffle, springing and cawing closer and closer to—
“Yes— Great Horned Owl”
Its face highlighted by sunset’s shining rays between the elm’s leaves Its face turning and listening eyes wider and more bold turning and listening
as angry guttural caws command, “Leave! Leave!” And so Owl fell in a swoop in front of us, seemingly floating away, the ravens swift to the chase,
“A mobbing”
we witnessed as we watched with wonder though all had vanished past the yellow fluttering of autumn leaves on elm and locust trees.#writeout Sheri Edwards Photography/Poetry 10.18.24
WATCH THE RETELLING, WITH INCLUDED VIDEO OF LAST TWO PARTS:
You may want to pause to read the poem embedded with the images and videos.
RESOURCES FOR NATURE’S SURPRISE
We learned quite a bit about ravens, owls, and mobbing. Take a look:
Note: our area has few crows, but pairs of ravens are found everywhere in our area.
JOIN IN!
This post is part of the October WRITEOUT adventure, October 13 through the 27th, partnership of the National Writing Project and the National Park Service — a chance to enjoy the outdoors with poetry, prose, and parks for Write Out 2024. Organized as a public invitation to get out and create, supported by a series of free online activities, Write Out invites educators, students, and families to explore national parks and other public spaces. The goal is to connect and learn through place-based writing and sharing. Check out this infographic for the flow of the this week and the Choice Board to get you started for WriteOut’s Poetry for the Planet.
I wonder, if I draw a line... 