This was just an awesome event that was too good not to share today.
We have known for several months now that a pair of hawks had built their nest high up in a tree in our backyard. We have many, many birds build their nests in our yard, but the hawk family is a first in 17 years. I have wondered more than once how the baby would do on its solo flight, as the nest is just UP THERE, and what if it floundered and fell to the ground like so many of the little fledglings that solo in our yard? Alas, having a trio of 3 all-male, "full of instinct" canines residing here leaves little to the imagination about what happens to those little babies that try this when the doggies are outside.
And so I worried.
Well, this morning I heard Kobe going absolutely crazy, barking that "something's out here" bark, and I ran out to see if it was a raccoon, a possum, a kitty, or unfortunately a human passing through the park that backs up to our back yard. (yes, sometimes the two-legged creatures tend to provoke our doggies, and I have to keep a watch out for them. Some degenerates have been known to throw objects up at our doggies and into our fenced area out of meanness.)
But not Today! It was the fledgling hawk, obviously taking his solo flight. Said doggies were out in full form, giving baby a rough time. He was perched in a little 6 foot sapling only just out of harms way, holding on for all he was worth, I'm sure!
I quickly ran back up to the house, yelled for honorable Son #2 to HELP ME!! and grabbed some leashes and collars. Amazingly, all three musketeers canines were on their way back towards the house, and Jonny's commanding voice got them all to enter back inside!
I then raced back to my computer, grabbed my camera, and got Jonny to take some pretty darn close shots of this magnificent little bird. (Jonny's way better at taking photos than mom.) That little hawk keenly watched Jonny as he circled, taking pics for this post. He could turn his little neck all the way around, watching with "hawk-like" precision, ready to defend himself. In the meantime, Mama (or Daddy) Hawk was screaming like mad, talking this little fella through his predicament. ( I wonder if she was yelling...Be still, Don't move) knowing his flight skills were VERY elementary!
Thanks for the great pics, Jonny!
And so I share the following photos for you to enjoy a beautiful part of God's Creation. What a majestic looking bird. Wouldn't want to get those talons or that beak dug into my flesh!! Click on any photo to enlarge for a closer look. :-)
Letting go of any offspring is a hard and faith-filled event for the parents. As our fledglings are taking off from our OWN nest, we hold our breath as they take that solo flight, say a HUGE prayer of commitment and hopefulness to our God, and release!
As they face all the first steps of trials, and use of their own dose of wisdom and common sense, we know they will be protected by the hands of their loving Heavenly Father, and He will see it done. He cares for them way more than we do. This is what I was reminded of today as I witnessed this little event. :-)
Here is an added shot, later, showing where this little buggar flew to from his sapling perch behind the old chicken pen. This is bush/tree Kurt had just cut back last weekend. A good perch of safety.
I close with the verses I read yesterday in Psalm 36, where I am journeying on my trek through the Old Testament currently. (vs. 5-10)
"Your steadfast love, O Lord, is as great as all the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds. Your justice is as solid as God's mountains. Your decisions are as full of wisdom as the oceans are with water. You are concerned for men and animals alike. How precious is your constant love, O God! All humanity takes refuge in the shadow of your wings. You feed them with blessings from your own table and let them drink from your rivers of delight. For you are the Fountain of Life; our light is from your light. Pour out your unfailing love on those who know you! Never stop giving your blessings to those who long to do your will."
Blessings,...and Enjoy!
We have known for several months now that a pair of hawks had built their nest high up in a tree in our backyard. We have many, many birds build their nests in our yard, but the hawk family is a first in 17 years. I have wondered more than once how the baby would do on its solo flight, as the nest is just UP THERE, and what if it floundered and fell to the ground like so many of the little fledglings that solo in our yard? Alas, having a trio of 3 all-male, "full of instinct" canines residing here leaves little to the imagination about what happens to those little babies that try this when the doggies are outside.
And so I worried.
Well, this morning I heard Kobe going absolutely crazy, barking that "something's out here" bark, and I ran out to see if it was a raccoon, a possum, a kitty, or unfortunately a human passing through the park that backs up to our back yard. (yes, sometimes the two-legged creatures tend to provoke our doggies, and I have to keep a watch out for them. Some degenerates have been known to throw objects up at our doggies and into our fenced area out of meanness.)
But not Today! It was the fledgling hawk, obviously taking his solo flight. Said doggies were out in full form, giving baby a rough time. He was perched in a little 6 foot sapling only just out of harms way, holding on for all he was worth, I'm sure!
I quickly ran back up to the house, yelled for honorable Son #2 to HELP ME!! and grabbed some leashes and collars. Amazingly, all three musketeers canines were on their way back towards the house, and Jonny's commanding voice got them all to enter back inside!
I then raced back to my computer, grabbed my camera, and got Jonny to take some pretty darn close shots of this magnificent little bird. (Jonny's way better at taking photos than mom.) That little hawk keenly watched Jonny as he circled, taking pics for this post. He could turn his little neck all the way around, watching with "hawk-like" precision, ready to defend himself. In the meantime, Mama (or Daddy) Hawk was screaming like mad, talking this little fella through his predicament. ( I wonder if she was yelling...Be still, Don't move) knowing his flight skills were VERY elementary!
Thanks for the great pics, Jonny!
And so I share the following photos for you to enjoy a beautiful part of God's Creation. What a majestic looking bird. Wouldn't want to get those talons or that beak dug into my flesh!! Click on any photo to enlarge for a closer look. :-)
Letting go of any offspring is a hard and faith-filled event for the parents. As our fledglings are taking off from our OWN nest, we hold our breath as they take that solo flight, say a HUGE prayer of commitment and hopefulness to our God, and release!
As they face all the first steps of trials, and use of their own dose of wisdom and common sense, we know they will be protected by the hands of their loving Heavenly Father, and He will see it done. He cares for them way more than we do. This is what I was reminded of today as I witnessed this little event. :-)
Here is an added shot, later, showing where this little buggar flew to from his sapling perch behind the old chicken pen. This is bush/tree Kurt had just cut back last weekend. A good perch of safety.
I close with the verses I read yesterday in Psalm 36, where I am journeying on my trek through the Old Testament currently. (vs. 5-10)
"Your steadfast love, O Lord, is as great as all the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds. Your justice is as solid as God's mountains. Your decisions are as full of wisdom as the oceans are with water. You are concerned for men and animals alike. How precious is your constant love, O God! All humanity takes refuge in the shadow of your wings. You feed them with blessings from your own table and let them drink from your rivers of delight. For you are the Fountain of Life; our light is from your light. Pour out your unfailing love on those who know you! Never stop giving your blessings to those who long to do your will."
Blessings,...and Enjoy!
1 comment:
Gonna be a good hunter when it gets older. Nice, clean, baby talons. SUPER-sharp!
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