Nature Done Wright

  When I awoke this morning and saw the light coating of snow, I instinctively looked to the owl box to see if Ace was perched in the opening.

  It was seven a.m., and there was no sign of him. In years past, I would wonder whether the screech owl had returned to the owl box, whether he was safe and sound.

  Until the owl popped his head into the opening again, I’d have no way of knowing whether he was even home.

  No more. When I went to the basement and checked the screech-cam monitor, I was relieved to see Ace had made it back safely.

  As I looked closer, I saw that Ace had brought some takeout home.

  Ace was, in fact, wide awake, and toying with something that appeared to be furry. When Ace hopped around a little bit, I could see the dead chipmunk at his feet.  (Chipmunk is in upper middle of image, to left of Ace’s head.)

  Ace mantled the little mammal a couple of times — just like the way red-tailed hawks spread their wings around a fresh-caught squirrel. But Ace did not eat the little rodent.

  Since snow is predicted for today into tonight, perhaps he is just stocking up on food.

  One thing is for certain: Judging from the feathers and the fresh carcass on the floor of Ace’s box, it is safe to say he is no vegetarian.