I’m not an avid birdwatcher, heading out with binoculars in hand,
creeping around the bush quietly in an attempt to seek out the rarely seen
spotted blue plumed something or other. I simply appreciate the many varieties
that come and visit my own garden, am fascinated by their just as many and varied
habits, and enjoy the seemingly endless ways in which they sing and call and
communicate with each other.
At this time of year though there is an added attraction, for it’s not
unusual to come across small hawks in our region, sitting on paddock fences
lining the road, sometimes taking off gracefully as vehicles approach, while at
other times remaining defiant and ignoring passing cars as they concentrate on
their main objective. Birds of prey by their very nature are killing machines.
Their survival depends on their ability to hunt, and they do it so
spectacularly.
A pair of eagles live just down the road and are often seen soaring
above us. It is almost like everything is in slow motion as they glide in ever
widening circles, until movement on the ground signifies that lunch is prepared
and they go in for the kill at an alarming rate of knots. The hawks however
appear less menacing, simply because of their size, but try as I might, I’ve
never managed to get close enough to convince one to pose for the camera.
So, while they’re around for the summer, I’m content to simply appreciate
their beauty and skill and watch from afar as they revel in their natural habitat.
Hawk’s feather
uniquely patterned
soft on my cheek
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