Some of you may know that the natural habitat of "the Wobbly" (me) is riding across the Fens, after dark, on a fixie. Running 120psi tyres, I can hear the transmission noise over the road noise when I honk - otherwise it's just the wind in my ears.
At this time of year, this habitat overlaps with that of the Barn Owl. I often see more owls than cars. They are inquisitive creatures, and will fly along beside me or play in the bike's light beam. Some will just sit on fence posts and swivel their head as I go past.
On the bike, I travel at the speed they fly at. I make the small amount of noise that they are accustomed to listening for to hunt. The lights obviously facinate them.
On the way home from the pub tonight (6 miles) I nearly rode into the ditch because I was watching for the barn owl that was shadowing me.
It has just occured to me that I sometimes have more in common wih these incredible animals than to other road users.
Thansk for listening.