Isn't this an awesome photograph? My friend and I were going out to our antique booth this morning. About two blocks from my house, we saw this pair of hawks land in a tree in a neighbor's front yard. We stopped the car and started snapping pictures. The hawks didn't seem too concerned about us and appeared to be casually posing.
Don't be deceived by their calm demeanor and beauty...they are ruthless hunters, to be sure. Last summer I watched in horror as one swooped down in my backyard and flew away with one of my songbirds locked in its talons. Although it was heartbreaking, birds of prey have to eat too. It's the way of nature.
I live on the outskirts of a large city. Many of our city's mature trees have been removed to make room for the city's growth and "progress". Forests destroyed for new housing and highway construction had been "home" to varied wildlife. The animals that survived have had to find new places to live. Apparently, some have adapted and found habitat in well populated urban areas. In our neighborhood and in nearby ones, we've seen deer, foxes, raccoons, opossums, rabbits, owls, and hawks. Although I haven't seen one, I am pretty sure that I heard a coyote once. I had never heard such a strange sound before, nor have I heard it since that night. It never fails to amaze me to see a wild animal or bird of prey in an unexpected place. This morning's hawk sighting was no exception. I just hope all the songbirds were able to find cover today. We don't have very many songbirds during the winter, so those that do visit our yard are very precious to me.
I hope that you are enjoying these last few days for Christmas. It's a special time of year for connecting with family and friends. Please take time this week to read Luke 2 with your family and reflect on the wonderful event that occurred over two thousand years ago...the birth of Jesus Christ.
Copyright 2011 Charlotte Laney
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