Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Lost Light

Teasel
Morning Light

Evening light has all but left us.
I step out from work, now, into darkness, ever more thankful for the morning’s glow.
My time.

To catch a sun creeping across the field of teasel.
Tones of brown set ablaze, mist rising.
Caught on the edge of the high barn roof.
Then tripping, face-first, upon the old brick house,
beyond the gravel drive.

First Light on Barn

Autumn Sun

From this spot at dusk, we hear an owl,
from the depths of the blackened woods, calling.
His voice, a new cry in the night.
An invitation into his world.

In the dark, this year, I will go there.
My small light, where there is none.

After years of hearing Barred Owls in our woods, we now hear a new call. The hissing screech, that could be either a Barn Owl or juvenile Great Horned Owl. What better way to appreciate the darkness of fall and winter evenings, than to become better acquainted with our owls.


See more Skywatch here.

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52 comments:

bobbie said...

Very beautiful, Nina.

RuthieJ said...

Oh wouldn't it be cool if you had a barn owl?

nina at Nature Remains. said...

Ruthie--Way cool!
They're endangered in Ohio, and I'm not sure if we're southern enough to have them winter with us. (Which is why I wonder about a juv GHO as another possibility.)
But, the thought of finding a barn owl makes me want to be sure.

NCmountainwoman said...

Wonderful post. Your pictures have captured the light so beautifully, and your prose has captured our imaginations. I can almost hear the owl.

Anonymous said...

Really lovely shots, especially the teazels. I lived out west for quite a while, no teasels there - so when I moved back east, they were one of the old familiars (along with Queen Anne's Lace) that I was happy to see again.

Lisa at Greenbow said...

That barn shot with the orangy-pinky- red reflecting on it is beautiful. I like the teasel shot too. I think it looks lively even in its dried form.

Wow, how exciting to think you even 'might' have a barn owl. Hopefully they are expanding their range. It seems like we hear of a few more of them every year. One can hope.

Leslie: said...

Such beauty! And your writing brings it so to life! I really enjoy coming over here now that I've discovered your blog. Cheers!

Brad Myers said...

Very nicely done, I really like the back lighting on the first shot.

Photo Cache said...

Great job. I love the third picture the most. You shared with us fabulous images today. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

beautiful set!!!

the blue, the gold ... just awesome.

Louise said...

Beautiful photos! I especially love the barn one--both the sky behind it and the light on it.

Kathleen McQueen Wright said...

Lovely!!

Kyle said...

I love the early morning glow on that barn and the cool blues of the sky above, Nina. That shot is gorgeous.

And congrats on the new owl!

~Kyle

Anne-Berit said...

Lovely shots!

Arija said...

The little delghts of the natural word. You obviously sre mypassion for light and barna and owls. I look forwardto whatever owl photou get.
Autumn light isso crisp youwant to catch it in your hands.

Angie said...

Beautiful photos.I recently had the good fortune to see a barn owl on the marshes near to where I live.It was a wonderful experience.

imac said...

Great shots, love the way the sun catches the Teasel

G. Crappy said...

Fantastic shots, Nina. Thank you.

Gaelyn said...

The teasel just glows, as does the barn. Great photos!
How wonderful to hear the owls.

Pat - Arkansas said...

Once more, and as usual, your narrative is a lovely as your photographs. Wonderful Sky Watch post.

Leedra said...

I like the first light on the barn.

Linda Reeder said...

Beautiful words to describe the beauty around us, and the longing for the light that is fading as winter comes.

Larry D said...

Wonderful post and skywatch!

DeeMom said...

I will post our barn soon,

your pictures are WONDERFUL

Mary said...

I've only seen GHOs. Your skies are fabulous! Beautiful post.

Laura ~Peach~ said...

the second is my favorite I just love the colors!
Happy SWF!

Anonymous said...

You have a nice shot and great colors...TC

Kathi said...

Your barn photo looks like a painting, Nina - Gorgeous!

Congrats on the owl. I keep hoping for one here, but haven't been able to find one, not even a screech owl.

~Kathi

Anonymous said...

So so nice Nina! I really love the reflection! Happy Skywatching!

My Skywatch

Jane Hards Photography said...

Very dramatic barn shots under those moody skies. Teasel I love it attracts our British goldfinches.

Unknown said...

I heard a pileated the other day ... but did not see it. They are also elusive that way.

Pearl Maple said...

Simply beautiful, your photos have captured the light and spirit of the moment. Thanks for sharing with us all in Sky Watch Friday.

Anonymous said...

WOW! Such beautiful photos! Awesome sight too:)

Mine's, HERE. If you get a chance:)
Happy SWF!

Anonymous said...

Hi Nina, gorgeous shots of the skies over the barn. I wouldn't be surprised at all if you had a barn owl there. I would think you would have one in that huge barn! I didn't know they are endangered in Ohio. I wonder what caused that? They are one of the most wide spread owls on the planet and you know they will readily take to man made nest boxes! You have inspired me to write a post on the barn owls I helped band this past summer and add a barn owl nest box plan to my resource page! Thanks for sharing!

indicaspecies said...

Very very beautiful, the shots and the words. Thank you for sharing.

- celine
http://indicainq8.wordpress.com

Small City Scenes said...

A wonderful light show. MB

Connie T. said...

I like the barn picture. I love owls. They are so pretty and I like to hear them hoot. All your pictures are nice.

Debbie@Like a Rose said...

Great shots. The barn photo is my favorite.

Quiet Paths said...

This was a beautiful, informative, and touching post.

AphotoAday said...

Very pleasing post...

Anonymous said...

Beautiful post. I enjoyed the words as well as the pictures.

Jan said...

Beautiful photos, today. I especially like the last one.

DeniseinVA said...

Great photos! Lovely prose. Have you ever taken photos of those owls? I would love to come across one in the wild. I would probably faint with shock mind you and miss my photo moment :) Have a great weekend.

Naturegirl said...

Nina you capture the mood of Autumn
with both your images and words!

Mary said...

Oh, those are all BEAUTIFUL! I always love visiting here -- your photos never fail to amaze. :)

Sharon said...

Beautiful words and photos. What a wonderful place to live :-)

Sharon

Zeee said...

I love the first photo! Nice play with the light!

pts said...

beautifully captured!

Anonymous said...

Great SW pictures - and good pictures in their own right, if you see what I mean.

Anonymous said...

You don't have to travel at all to see some really spectacular sights.

A Colorful World said...

Oh, I hope you have a barn owl! This was a beautiful post!
Marie

Kathie Brown said...

Lovely words and images Nina. I am drawn into your world by your words. I often hear great horned owls outside my house at night. It always makes me feel like I am living in someplace wild.