Article by Barbara Kasey Smith’s Corner of the World
Hawk-watching from our kitchen or our back deck can be intriguing and heart-rending too. It’s hard to watch as a hawk captures a small bird and flies down to the ground with its prey in its beak to brutally take its life right in my presence. There’s a pair of hawks that’s been living in our backyard area in thick pines for several years now. They’re not on the scene as much in the winter as they’re starting in the spring of every year. I must confess they’re fascinating to watch and to experience the amount of strength and power in their large wings and to marvel at their expert eyesight. Their tenacity is overwhelming with a desire to live for the food they need to exist and survive.
They’re most intriguing when they spot prey, because normally, they can get their prey on the first try. I’d have to say, they’re excellent hunters who scour for their food, they do not let any other small animal or bird get in their way. It’s sad that small birds and other prey don’t stand a chance to escape their bullying savage ways. It reminds me of children who are shy and defenseless and bullied by others who know they can take advantage of them.
Many of the cardinals, robins, and other birds have been my friends for some time and it breaks my hearts to watch as some of them are viciously attacked and eaten. It’s a sudden execution which leaves me in awe at their power and abilities.
I love to watch as the golden-reddish/orangey dark brown streaked white breasts and long banded tail feathered hawks land to sit on our roof top to eye the trees in the backyard. They patiently wait for their prey; they have the patience of Job. They look like mighty majestic rulers of a nation who dares anyone to come into their territory.
I like watching as they soar above the house like a pair of kites, dipping and floating in the air. It’s amazing how high they can fly. When I watch as a black bird fights a hawk I believe it must’ve disturbed her nest, it’s like watching a good fight. Their grace and loveliness is magnificent as they float around in the sky.
I haven’t been able to get a definite identification of the type of hawks they’re; but I do believe, they’re a pair of red-tailed hawks. I’m going to continue to do some research on them for certain identification.
I’m glad they’ve chosen our backyard as a place to live because I believe in existence of every life; even though, others are devoured…every living thing must eat to survive…this is survival.
This article was written by Barbara Kasey Smith – Copyright 2013 – Use by Permission Only.