Diane Boschert
St. Peters
This morning I had an interesting experience with an Owl when I was on my way to the office. For a reason unknown to me, the owl was sitting in the turn lane in the center of morning traffic. Although traffic was moving slowly due to the traffic lights, no one seemed to be concerned as they sipped their lattes and used their cell phones to check their voice mail that there was an owl the size of a mailbox sitting in the middle of the road. So, what did I do? Yep, I stopped and helped the bird out of harm's way. Long story short - after a minor struggle to move him off the pavement, then off the top of a mini-van, then off of me as he punctured a couple of wounds in both of my hands with the talons on his feet - he flew off into the woods. (Kids - don't try this at home!!! Although it ended well, it was immensely stupid.) The interesting thing was that the owl didn't try to bite me with his incredibly powerful beak. I believe he was dazed and afraid and reacted normally, although he sensed I was trying to help him. If I'd been wearing leather gloves, all would have been fine. But, I wasn't and now have a couple of mildly swollen hands and a great story to tell. The owl? Well, I'm sure that adorable creature is back to his normal activity and is swooping down at this very moment capturing his dinner. It was absolutely wonderful to have held that gorgeous bird in my hands (and for him to have held mine with the most powerful razor blade claws I've EVER experienced!!!). I'd do it all over again given the chance. Needless to say, I'm fine but my family is a tad upset with me...all's well that ends well. And, in case you're wondering, I am current with my tetanus shot.