A chance remark may have opened the door to a whole new branch of alternative medicine. To complement homeopathic remedies, hypnotherapy and acupuncture, may I suggest Ornitherapy.

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Towards the end of a beautiful day in Boston’s Mount Auburn Cemetery, I was investigating some Blue Jay alarms and suddenly found myself face to face with an Eastern Screech Owl. Close enough in fact to make it cross-eyed. I moved slowly back and kept up a soothing mumble to reassure the owl that I was not a threat, then found a shady spot from which to watch.

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To have a spare morning in such a beautiful setting should have been cause enough to describe my mood as “chipper”, but add in a self-found owl, sitting out in full view and I found myself to be positively buoyant. After a short while, I left the owl in peace and soon after bumped into a young lady who was looking for owls.

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It was her remark, “..an owl a day..” that made me wonder if anyone has already taken a lead in this exciting field. I already self-administer and to paraphrase our beat writer, Duncan, “I could quit any time I want to”. But I probably wouldn’t.

Written by Redgannet
Redgannet worked for more than 35 years as a flight attendant for an international airline. He came to birding late in his career but, considering the distractions, doesn't regret the missed opportunities. He was paid to visit six continents and took full advantage of the chance to bird the world. He adopted the nom de blog, Redgannet, to avoid remonstrations from his overbearing employer, but secretly hoped that the air of mystery would make him more attractive to women. Now grounded, he is looking forward to seeing the seasons turn from a fixed point.