The End of a Beautiful Day

Ursa suddenly stood up and started barking. She HAD to go outside. When I opened the door I could hear the coyotes singing. So close. They sounded like they were in the lane. Ursa, in full bark, joined Charlie and Jesse in a rush down the hill. By the time we all reached the hay shed the coyotes had been intimidated and slunk silently off. Ursa wagged her 12-year-old tail and showed obvious pride in being a vital part of this organization.

I stood petting the goats, enjoying the warm evening of this beautiful day while counting sheep. I felt a presence, and turned to watch a large owl glide silently down to the nearby tree. He sat still except for his head, which he turned quickly back and forth, no doubt looking for the chipmunks Jesse and Charlie delight in chasing under things. After a few moments he looked straight into my eyes, then started searching for food again. I walked toward him and he silently flew into the woods. I looked toward the kennel where a hen sits on a dozen eggs, glad they will hatch into a protected space.

Sheep and geese all accounted for, coyotes and owls gone elsewhere to hunt, the dogs and I headed back up the hill.