Laughing Buddha Barred Owl

Waves of golden grass bejewelled with dew glistened as the mist rose off the waters at Blackburn Lake Nature Reserve here on Salt Spring Island, BC. There was a hush in the November air as my brother, Michael and I strolled along one of the perimeter paths, listening intently for bird calls. We were just about to head back home when we both noticed a large bird swoop up onto the branch of a nearby tree. At first, we thought it might have been a falcon or hawk, but then, we spotted him—a beautifully lit Barred Owl, who didn’t seem to mind us inching forward for a closer look. Our Owl seemed to be dreaming — with his Buddha-smile — as if he were embodying that serenity we felt in the reserve. It was a remarkable experience to watch him—the only owl I’ve ever seen on the island in broad daylight. Eventually, though, a raven caught our Owl’s attention and the sun moved behind the clouds so, it was time for us to say farewell.