Not a typical Thursday morning as our day started with a surprise visitor to the back deck. A juvenile barred owl had taken up residence for the day seeking shelter while awaiting mom's return.
At first "Tuck" appeared nervous while we watched from inside the house. But as time wore on I believe he sensed we meant no harm. I was happy to see that he was able to catch a few z's in the shade.
The morning commute traffic was diverted...
...and confirmed at noon that diversions were still in place.
As afternoon approached "Tuck" came out from beneath the chair to take in his surroundings.
Oh, those
pesky
flies!
Truly a sweet creature...
I was drawn in by his movements and personality. Perhaps getting a little frustration out!
Loved that he got a bit of exercise in too!
Funny that he didn't leave his perch - the temps on this day were above 90 degrees. He found shade underneath one of the chairs that was fortunately draped with the grill cover.
Afternoon grooming - gotta love a bird that takes pride in himself.
As we returned home from work and with evening fast approaching Mama returned.
"Tuck" was out on the back lawn and it appears that a sense of happiness came over him in seeing her.
She would fly off in a northerly direction as if to guide him "home".
"Tuck" took refuge in areas that would camouflage him as he made the trek up the hill.
It wasn't an easy trek - but he was persistent...
...as was Mom in watching and guiding him along the way.
One last glance back towards our home as he made his way back to his.
I was tickled when I saw that Mom was no longer concerned about me watching as she was about "Tuck" getting where he needed to be.
Tuck's arrival early in the morning set about a series of phone calls to try to find help. Not knowing that Mom would return I didn't want to leave him on his own. My calls were diverted to several lines along the chain - none bringing about a resolution.
It felt right that Tuck's story with us ended as it did. We don't know what the future holds for Tuck but we do know that he's in good hands.
enjoy,
k
