The low angle of the setting sun created long, eerie shadows across the snow and only a few birds remained active. Perhaps they were preparing to join others already at roost, in search of a bit of food before enduring yet another bitterly cold night. You can't see them, but you're surrounded by birds. I like to imagine cardinals, jays, juncos, nuthatches, chickadees and titmice all tucked in for the night, perhaps in various tree cavities and other nooks and crannies.
After an hour, I finally found a Barred Owl perched on a branch next to a tree trunk about 25 feet up. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught its lighter color against the darker tree. I didn't stay long. There was still enough light to look with my binoculars – the owl blinked a few times, looking right at me, and then I walked the long mile back to my car. It had been about a year since the last time I saw a Barred Owl at the conservancy – April, I think. And April is a very warm thought.
All images © Mike McDowell