Sunnin’

The sun was just disappearing over the Tucson Mountains, the Catalinas deep purple, when I turned home tonight from the post office and grocery store. As I lowered the sun visor in the car, it occurred to me that the same last rays of sunlight that were making me blink were probably warming a Western Screech-Owl in his saguaro cavity roost. And sure enough, there he was, eyes closed against the glare and feathers raised in gratitude for the warmth.

Here in our yard, our beautiful new owl box is still unoccupied, but I’m sure it won’t be long before one of the locals moves in again.