Bird Food Anyone?

This story is more weird than funny.  In 1984, while living in Calgary, I got up at the crack of dawn for an early morning run on some trails through a heavily wooded area south of the Glenmore Reservoir.  Running in the fresh, still, cool air was exhilarating.  I quickly found myself in a running groove, motoring along the gently rolling trails.

Suddenly, I heard what sounded like a bed sheet being shaken out.  I looked up to see a large owl flapping its wings in the tree above me.  Its wingspan seemed enormous, at least 5 feet in length.  The bird then stared at me.  But instead of turning its head 90 degrees to the left, it turned its head 270 degrees to the right.  The owl was clearly sizing me up as a potential breakfast! I stared back.  This was a standoff.

Attempting to make myself look larger and scarier, I started jumping up and down, waving my arms and yelling.  My strategy was effective.  After a few minutes (which seemed like an eternity), the bird flew away.  Relieved, I continued on my run.

I like to think that the owl made a wise decision and decided not to mess with this runner– or maybe it just got bored with my arm-flapping dance.

© 2010 Savvy Runner Inc.

 We welcome your feedback, suggestions and comments.  Please post them below.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, BLOG, WEBSITE OR PUBLICATION, you can – as long as you include: “Bennett Cohen (The Savvy Runner) and Gail Gould are the Founders and Presidents of the International Association of Women Runners.  To learn more about this global community of women runners, visit www.iawr-connect.com.