It was early that cold Saturday morning. I was making my morning check of the owlet who had, just 4 days earlier, fallen out of the nest. The owlet was still too young to fly but had the ability to climb. With mama’s coaxing, it found a refuge from the coyotes, people and dogs that inhabit the area. We knew that mama owl was still feeding the “little wayward one” who had taken up residence in another tree. Several days earlier we had seen the rabbit she had placed upon the tree branch where the owlet was now perched.
Last night we were scheduled for a spring storm, the kind that brought the heavy, wet Colorado snow. I made my way through 4 to 5 inches of snow on my way to the tree. It was not difficult to spot the owlet. There was the brown lump on the tree branch.
My eyes filled with tears as I realized what the scene was before me. There sat mama, with the “wayward one” nestled to her chest, sharing warmth. I returned a couple hours later when it was light enough to snap the picture. They had not moved. Mama knew I was there but still would not leave her post. She had her baby to take care of.
I thanked mama owl for the beautiful lesson she had delivered. Tomorrow would take on a new meaning for me. Happy Mother’s Day. May 11, 2003
by Janell Benson
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