an owl!

G was gently snoring, which is usually reassuring, but was keeping me awake last night.  I swaddled myself in a fleece pullover and a down throw, and sat in the rocking chair looking at the lights over the edge of the deck.  We can see from San Jose up past Mountainview to the north, a continuous sea of lights.  Since it has been raining the air is quite clear and the lights crisp.  From the house below me, there was suddenly an enormous shadow rising up past my window and over my roof.  Wings wide, outspread, and the head in perfect silhouette.  I could see the outlined feather edges on the wings and tail.  A few summers ago I identified the call of a great horned owl, and the size looked to match that species.  Wow.