07.11.07
Au Revoir, Owl?
I heard, while running on the pumpkin run loop two days ago, that an owl had been found dead on the trail last week.
I have been away for awhile, and therefore have not posted in several weeks. It may seem unusual, therefore, that I have chosen to write about an owl. Most of you know, however, that I have had quite a relationship with an owl on this loop over the last year. To be specific, I have had 4 encounters. With 3 of them, I was hit on the head from behind by this long-taloned predator while running in the early morning. It happened in 3 different locations on the loop, which made me question the theory that he/she was “protecting the nest”. With each incident, I was subsequently swooped at several times as I tried to flee. I was never injured (physically) by this bird, but did become a little jumpy on subsequent runs, something Dave noted on one of our friday am runs. I also found myself getting a little startled when reading a children’s book to my 4-year old that included pictures of owls.
I have heard multiple stories from other runners about their encounters with an owl in this area. One of my friends had it dig its talons into the back of his head, and he actually grabbed it and threw it to the ground. These stories at least made me feel better that it was not my running style (wounded mouse?) that was encouraging these attacks. My other family members suggested that I change my running route, but I refused to do this, because this loop is just too close and too nice to not run on. Instead, much like Bill Murray and the gopher in Caddyshack (from which I stole the title of this post) I began thinking of ways to discourage him/her from attacking me.
Despite this, I was still sad to hear that an owl had died. I hope, however, that it was my nemesis that fell and that I will run talon-free for a while. Sorry, Dave, as I know you were hoping to have a run-in with this aggressor.
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Dave said,
July 11, 2007 at 6:23 am
This, of course, is my worst nightmare. I have tried everything in the book to entice our feathery friend to attack me. I ran through there at every time of the day, most every color of clothing, various styles of hats - yet no owl attack. How disappointing!
I can only hope that this dead owl was not the owl I yearn for, but casualty of owl infighting. Perhaps the real owl was simply honing its skills on one of its own. We can only hope.
Rob said,
July 11, 2007 at 6:18 pm
Sorry Dave! Tell you what, I will hide in the woods and shoot stuff at you when you run by. That way, you will get the “thrill” of the surprise.
I also had considered what you said, that maybe the harassing owl had killed off its competition. Time will tell I guess. In the meantime, I will try to be less jumpy…….