It’s surprising how quickly one can adapt to conditions that seem impossible. When this cold spell began, I braced myself each morning to face the icy chill. After weeks of frigid temps, I layer up and head out without a second thought. The little neighborhood birds have found the spots out of the wind and where food is available. We see them reliably throughout the week.
Saturday, we hiked for miles through deep snow along the towpath in the Cuyahoga Valley. I sought out the few places I know along the river where the water is flowing. There, eagles and otters tend to gather to hunt. I was hoping to spend time watching them. But, the river banks were empty. We saw tracks on the snowy ice and meandering trails heading off into the fields along the trail, but we did not spot a single critter.
Sunday, we visited a nearby pond. I hoped that maybe a clear patch of water there would draw some ducks and geese or maybe, if luck was on our side, a swan. But the pond was frozen solid. We turned away from the water and headed into the woods. A squirrel darted by. I heard the unmistakable rapping of a pileated woodpecker somewhere in the forest, but I couldn’t locate it. We turned and started back when I glanced up at a nook in a tree. I couldn’t be sure, but I thought there might be something in it. I fished my phone out of my pocket and zoomed in. There, eyes closed, sat a beautiful barred owl! Its feathers were puffed out against the cold. I made my way closer, looking for a clear view through the tangle of branches between us. Careful not to get too near, I finally found a good view. I stood for a long time watching it sleep and admiring its camouflage before I tugged at Chuck’s leash and we moved away through the snowy woods.
