On my bike ride home from work last night as I passed under SE 56th Street on the Pickering Trail there was an owl sitting on the ground alongside the trail who looked up and silently took off as my glowing bike went by.

I’ve seen foxes and coyotes and deer, raccoons, and possums on that and other trails around town. There are always rabbits. Great blue herons, cedar waxwings, mergansers (common and hooded), lots of different ducks and other birds are common sights and sounds on and near the trails through our town.

Walking or biking is quiet enough that these shy creatures aren’t frightened away. We have the freedom to stop and look when we catch some motion out of the corner of our eyes. These are wonderful reminders of how many wild animals peacefully share our town with us.