MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM • July 27, 2025
After the annual mowing of our field, a barred owl has taken up residence, tree by tree, on the perimeter. He’s in my ancient apple tree, perfectly blended with the gray bark, shoulder-high, and close to the trunk. Incognito. Discreet. I am not worthy of his excessive attention. He merits mine. By the time you realize an owl is looking at you, awaiting your attention, many minutes have passed. How many? Only the owl knows for sure. But it’s a sure thing that he saw you first and nonchalantly awaited your discovery of his gaze. ~ Todd R. Nelson, Penobscot