One early morning, after it had been raining quite a bit, we drove by a puddle and two stocky little birds flew out of it.  It happened so fast, but I was sure they were owls.

Months later, early in the morning, we were stopped by a dopy looking little Eastern Screech Owl, sitting motionless on the road and blinking blearily at the headlights.  He flew away eventually.

I know there are owls in Florida; I’ve listened to them at night.  But they are an unseen thing.  This is not the case in my new neighborhood.