The dark soundtrack
The question was clear. Who, or what, shrieks in the middle of the night? I’m not sure, after some research, but I have my suspicions.
First of all, why the middle of the night? Best ask the dog, although he might not give you an answer. Over the last few years, I’ve learned that a cold nose in the back is just his way of requesting “a tour, outside”. That’s part of the covenant between us; he will ask, rather than finding his own relief. Better for the house, etc.
Anyhow, last night was ordinary, albeit quite dark. I clipped him on his lead (so that he could find his way home without a dog-sized flashlight) and returned to wait inside. And then? Oh, yes, the shrieks. I could hear the sound, inside, and when I went to the door the dog was barking while reversing into safety. Blood-curdling? No, this isn’t a dimestore horror tale.
The dog checked both doors (although I don’t think he really wanted to learn more), and I tried to figure out what might be hiding in the dark. The tone was crow-like, but I don’t believe they have night-flight privileges. After checking on a site that aids those who ear-watch, my closest guess is that we have a large owl nearby. No, owls don’t just question “Who?”. That responsibility is shared.
We’re now back to dark (but with the solstice at hand, progressively less of it). If I’m called to duty, tonight, I’ll pay careful attention to the soundtrack.
