Owl

I woke up this morning at 2 a.m. and went into the kitchen to fetch a glass of water. I noticed our motion lights were on so I stepped to the garden door to take a peek to make sure no one was making off with my old lawnmower.
I looked down toward the shed but I didn't see movement. Then out of the corner of my eye, I saw something much closer to me. I realized that it was a huge owl perched on the rail of my deck. I guess he noticed movement behind him and twisted his head 180 degrees to look me over.
Apparently I wasn't a threat (no wonder, he looked as big as me). I could almost hear him saying, "I'll go for the eyes, humans are easier to whip if you peck out their eyes." Anyhow, he sat around for a while longer surveying the back yard for mice, rabbits, or small dogs. When he was satisfied there was no dinner inside the fence, he flew away.
That is one magnificent creature. From the size of him, I'm betting he's the one that's been here for years but I have no way of proving it.
Even though he could probably whip me in a fair fight, I consider him a friend and he will never have an issue with me.