05/11/2025
An early 1800’s Missouri River fur trader, Manuel Lisa, once said “I go a great distance while some are considering whether they will start today or tomorrow.” I can readily identify with that simple but prophetic statement.
Our Winnebago River Owl Cave has been occupied by what I like to believe to be the same pair of Great Horned Owls since early January and I have paddled past a single Owlet a dozen times this spring. Thinking this was to be one of only a couple in the past 16 consecutive years of a single baby, canoe buddy photographer extraordinaire Jim Rose captured the first rather haunting image on May 4. The next day one Owlet was laying at the entrance of their home and the other was sunning himself on a lime rock shelf about 15’ away. It was the last time we spotted both owlets, as fledging was underway.
Yesterday, 5 days after the first one flew away and knowing that at anytime the other would also leave home, while peering through my binoculars at his blinking eyes and stunning statuesque pose, a water snake slithered in perfect S-shaped patterns right beside my canoe. With only his head above water and sensing danger, he submerged and instantly stirred the river bottom to create the perfect disguise. We were equally surprised and I was lucky to have glanced away from the stare-down with my yet flightless avain buddy.
After intently studying each other for a half hour, I am certain that this owlet is used to canoes, even when there have been up to three canoes focused on him. We approach in extreme silence one at a time with quite a distance between us and do our best not to over extend our stay. My Nature buzz does not easily disappear when spending so much time with this future Flying Tiger.
On downstream, still relishing my time with the owlet, I spotted a Mink swimming across the river and when he saw me approaching quickly, he swam even faster. I was digging for my camera as he climbed onto a log assuming a picture-perfect pose. A truck on the gravel road only 4’ away distracted his attention to what I thought would be my advantage for a wonderful close up picture. As the truck zoomed past, a rolling, heavy, thick cloud of dust engulfed the entire area and when it finally dissipated, the mink was gone. ☹️
Enjoying the company of Owlets while canoeing 12 times in the past 15 days, my hearty gratitude to Manuel Lisa for the inspiration! Paddle On. Dale
