Night Sounds

By Dave Hanks
6/20/13

	An owl’s soft call speaks plainly now
	He talks so hauntingly.
		The cool night breeze wafts it forth.
		It resounds from tree to tree.
	The crunch of jaws, upon something hard –
	Adds mystery to the night.
		Where is it at? What might it be?
		It’s somewhere near but out of sight
	The rustling leaves, by creatures small –
	That scurry to and fro
		They all cause questions to arise
		What are they? I’d like to know
	Off in the distance, such a plaintive howl 
	Emotions it subtly wrenches!
		A lone Coyote that sounds so sad - 
		Reaches deep into my senses
	I lie in the dark. Sleep will not come -
	As sounds, whether loud or small 
		Excite my thoughts at what’s out there
		I wonder about it all
	

	Great Horned Owls are one of the most common owls 
	in our area. At our home we are serenaded every 
	evening and in the early morning hours. Calls are 
	very important to nocturnal species - an extra 
	compensation against the darkness, even though eyes 
	have extra rods in them for night vision. Their ear 
	tufts are believed to have a use in communication, 
	although they play no role in their hearing.
	

	The Great Gray Owl is the largest in volume. The snowy owl 
	is the heaviest. But, the Great Horned Owl is right up 
	there with them running closely behind in size. This widest 
	ranging owl will live up to 13 years in the wild.They nest 
	in January and February and it is during these months that 
	you will hear their calls most often, as male and female 
	call back and forth to each other.
	

	I love its haunting call, and we are fortunate to have 
	the necessary habitat in our yard, for this fascinating 
	bird to inhabit our place on a regular basis. 
	

	
	    (Calling: Adding to the to the sounds of the night)


     







Articles


Home