Friday during a conference call, heard a fuss on the back porch, –looked out and saw a hawk clawing the screen to get out. Tried to shoo her to the door- she got sidetracked behind a table area. Me, afraid of big talons and unknown “Hawkish” behavior. Downy feathers swirling. Called my buddy Will, the Bird Man. Came over and carefully approached the bird, clucking, a Coopers’ Hawk, caught her. Held her for a bit, then thrust her to freedom. She flew to a branch on the dogwood, looked back a bit, then flew on to the high trees. Quite an experience. Meanwhile the conference call continued on speaker phone, unaware…
When you called, Astrid, I was surprised. These are agile and sharp eyed creatures, used to flying at top speed through trees; I really wanted just to see the bird. She soon seemed aware that I meant no harm and didn't struggle or seem agitated when picked up, though she watched me intently- like a hawk. It is so difficult not to anthropomorphize when you look at them. I always feel honored by these contacts. Thanks for the introduction!
Last year I looked up the figure of the bird in our tree that we saw dining on a smaller bird and learned that it too was a Cooper's Hawk. On Thursday morning she/he was back looking for a meal. I too feel honored by the visit.
ahhh…the things that are happening on the other end of the conference call that we just don't even have a clue about! Was that a sneeze? A pen vase fell over? No it was a hawk! Great story.