Birds of the Dark Wood

There is a common misconception that owls are “day blind.” The truth is that they see quite well in strong light. In fact some species of owls have better daylight vision than humans. This is accomplished by the fact that their pupils are able to open wider than humans, thus allowing in more light in dark conditions, but also are able to close small enough to block out light when it is bright. They have more rod cells in their eyes, thus allowing for tremendous night vision. This coupled with enhanced, directional hearing and the ability to fly nearly silently makes them perfectly adapted to their nocturnal life in the Dark Woods.

Many people have a fascination with owls, likely stemming from the fact that their faces with those close set eyes are reminiscent of our own, as well as the mystery of their usually quiet existence in the dark. Of course, they are not always quiet. When they call in the dark is it often loud, sometimes startling, and on occasion frightening. Not all owls hoot, the tiny Screech Owl has a rolling call that can sound like the whinny of an ethereal horse. It can be imitated by whistling and “rolling an R” at the same time. And if you have ever heard the unearthly hiss of a Barn Owl you can understand why people have thought of them as ghosts with that sound followed by a white object flying in the dark.

There is a reason why so many fairy tales are set in the deep, dark woods. This sort of fascination with what lies there calls to us. Sometimes we overcome our fears and go exploring, sometimes finding ourselves caught in the dark, wishing we hadn’t taken the risk. I know that I have had a few instances when I was out seeking owls at night and even with full knowledge of where I was and what was making the sounds around me, I have been spooked. Yet, those moments when calling to an owl is answered by the silent swoop of a bird perching on a nearby branch are nothing less than magical every time they happen.

Thus, the metaphor of the Dark Woods as a place where we find unexpected gifts speaks to us, particularly during Lent as we journey through self-examination in preparation for Easter. In life we will encounter uncertainty, emptiness, and temptation. Sometimes we will be lost, thunderstruck, or a misfit. In all these times, there are gifts to be found. We can learn trust, we can be filled, we can find comfort and direction. That is, if we are alert to the subtle movement of the Spirit in the Dark Woods, whose presence may come in silent or shocking ways like the winged denizens of the dark are apt to do.