When I got down there I saw an old friend in the woods. A very wise old friend that I have spent several years trying to catch on camera. I have heard him many times in the early mornings and in the evenings at dusk telling the news to his friends down in the swamp. The friend I am referring to is an old Barred Owl that lives in the woods down there by the fig trees. I saw him fly silently from one tree up into another and turn around looking at me.
I walked back slowly to my truck in order to get my camera. While making my way back to the truck all I could think was "He won't be there when I get back...He's never been there when I get back." I got to the truck and put my 100-400mm telephoto lens on my EOS 50D. I walked back to the fig trees and I couldn't believe it...there he was still sitting there as if he were waiting on me to come back.
I stopped as soon as I saw him because I didn't want to scare him off before getting a shot. I took a few pictures and then he shouted a hoot at me. I hooted back and he blinked and moved his head in a circular motion. It was quite comical.
I enjoyed watching him for the few minutes that I had. He hooted at me once more and then I decided to leave him alone. After that I went up to the house for a short nap before going over to the beach to work on the boat lift. When I got to look at the pictures of this beautiful bird (that I have waited patiently for years to get) I thought about Proverbs 19:20 that says "Listen to counsel and receive instruction, That you may be wise in your latter days." Oh how true that is in so many areas of life! I am thankful to God that I could see this amazing animal that He created. I am thankful to Him for allowing me to finally get pictures of it. Mostly and always, I am thankful for the Truth and Wisdom of God's Word and for Him reminding me of His Word through creation.
In Christ,
Kevin-