Dear Fellow Earthlings,
What follows is the second and final half of the short story "Spar, the Sparred Owl" (begun yesterday, in Installment 643).
Dear Fellow Earthlings,
SPAR, THE SPARRED OWL (Part 2)
But instead Spar flew!!!
It was not a graceful flight, but changed Spar's otherwise fatal drop into a desperate attempt to survive the fall .. and that's when Steve found the young owl! Spar was weak from lack of food, but his decision to try to fly had allowed him to hit the ground at reduced speed. Although a bit dazed, he was uninjured. Steve picked the poor bundle of feathers up and rushed about a half mile with Spar in his arms.
In Steve's house, he provided Spar with a soft cushion, some water, and small pieces of food -- and was both surprised and pleased when Spar immediately began eating after Steve soaked each food item in water.
In the next hour or so, Steve converted his pole barn into an aviary for Spar. Spar caught on quickly. Had he been a full-blooded Northern Spotted Owl, his shyness would probably have led to a poorer outcome. But the Barred Owl part of his genome seemed to win the day. Spar would clearly thrive in his aviary.
There was no need for mouse traps. At night Spar caught mice -- and an occasional bat. Steve supplemented Spar's menu with lizards and even fruits and veggies and other things that a full blooded NSO would never have accepted.
It was amazing how Spar and Steve got along so well. Steve knew full well that what he wanted on Reltonia -- and, indeed, all over the Pacific Northwest... were Northern Spotted Owls and no Barred Owls or Sparred Owls.
But fate had brought a truly nice creature into Steve's life. Just as Doc, Steve's boyhood Smooth Haired Fox Terrier/Dachsund mix; Little Fat Face, 12-year-old Steve's bantam friend,;and Midori, Steve's Red-eared Slider turtle trapped in Japan and housebound due to her status as an invasive species in that country, shall be his friends forever, so, too, is Spar his good buddy.
True domestic happiness bloomed from a deep foundation of trust and a stable daily routine. The owl discovered the simple joy of safety—a luxury the wild rarely grants. Steve enjoyed it when Spar reacted to Steve's voice by fluffing his feathers until he looked twice his size, letting out a low, satisfied whistle...
I, Steve Walker realize that we have to accept and appreciate what is nice. Having vented my feelings a bit with the above short story, I now more than ever, feel resolute: Northern Spotted Owls MUST enjoy life in the regions they have called home for thousands of years! AND, of course, "Steve" in the short story will ensure that Spar enjoys a happy bachelor life!.
Steve Walker
Earthsaver and Jingles Creator
© 2026 Steve Walker, The Jingles-The Japan Foundation for English Pronunciation, Summit Enterprises
© 2026 Steve Walker, The Jingles, North America