I made a series of owls on bottles. I have dreams with owls in them, and the owls around here show up and sometimes stare at me lol. Our porch is a smorgasbord for them.

The Madrid trip will help them heal their grief. You are fortunate to still have Owls watching over you The ones I knew have disappeared as their trees were destroyed. The screech owl was the last one to say good-bye

and owls are gone for you. We haven't seen our owls in a few months, but they'll be back. We have two lots on this rural island, with the back lot wild with trees and critters. My murder of crows comes daily and calls me to come out and feed them. The squirrels jump into the feeder in front of the kitchen window to let me know they need more treats. The chickadees fly around my head when I feed them. So, I think Merlin and his companion will come back.

I have a smaller version of your paradise, and rely on imagination to fill out the rest

We're tucked away, just a block and a half from the beach. I have a myriad of health problems, so it's a Blessing for me. Here's Merlin from last year outside the kitchen window looking at me: