Thank you, Perry. It is becoming uncanny how often I see this Cooper's Hawk in different parts of the conservation area. I was expecting them to fly off as soon as I approached, but they simply remained still perched overhead,
"By which is form revealed: the truth of sight or the Empty Mind?"
Perhaps neither?
I remember a line from a movie, the Outpost, where an American soldier speculates that the Afghan Taliban think that God is on their side while the Americans think He is on theirs. "Maybe they're both wrong" he says in the pouring rain.
What a gift! That form emerging, those feathers, the face, and that eye! Our eyes seek and discern patterns, and form emerges. I'm loving the question now. Thank you!
Incredible encounter with the Cooper's hawk, Neil. They weren't about to let you leave without visiting with you. The close up photo is really outstanding, especially showing the pattern of feather colors.
Thanks, Heidi and I was really fortunate to see this hawk I thought they were going to fly off as soon as I approached. Funny thing is this was shortly after seeing that Great Grey Owl the same morning.
Thank you so much for sharing your photos and poems. I always appreciate each and every one. Today's poem was especially moving and insightful. Both my thinking mind and my empty mind took great pleasure.
A very lovely hawk photo, Neil. It might be the same hawk; and he now considers you a human who is no threat to him and possibly a friend.
Thank you, Perry. It is becoming uncanny how often I see this Cooper's Hawk in different parts of the conservation area. I was expecting them to fly off as soon as I approached, but they simply remained still perched overhead,
"By which is form revealed: the truth of sight or the Empty Mind?"
Perhaps neither?
I remember a line from a movie, the Outpost, where an American soldier speculates that the Afghan Taliban think that God is on their side while the Americans think He is on theirs. "Maybe they're both wrong" he says in the pouring rain.
That's a great point, Michael. Form may not be revealed as an either or choice. Perhaps there is no form.
Glad to see you are continuing to see Cooper’s Hawks!
Thanks, James! This was an interesting sighting as it happened about 10 minutes after seeing that Great Grey Owl.
I always feel like I've been given a gift from the universe when I have a close encounter with a bird of prey.
So true, Melissa. I see these encounters as gifts as well.
“By which is form revealed: the truth of sight or the Empty Mind?”
A profoundly beautiful question to take with us everywhere we go.
Sincere thanks for sharing this meditation, Neil.
Thanks Doug and much appreciated.
What a gift! That form emerging, those feathers, the face, and that eye! Our eyes seek and discern patterns, and form emerges. I'm loving the question now. Thank you!
Thanks, Joni definitely a gift that day. I like how you put this: "Our eyes seek and discern patterns, and form emerges." Well-said.
Incredible encounter with the Cooper's hawk, Neil. They weren't about to let you leave without visiting with you. The close up photo is really outstanding, especially showing the pattern of feather colors.
Thanks, Heidi and I was really fortunate to see this hawk I thought they were going to fly off as soon as I approached. Funny thing is this was shortly after seeing that Great Grey Owl the same morning.
It's a great experience to share with us, Neil. In my humble opinion, the hawk was "competing" for your attention after seeing the Great Grey Owl.
Beautiful photos, as always. Really like that last line, too. I will carry it with me today.
Thank you, MK CREEL and very much appreciated.
Thank you so much for sharing your photos and poems. I always appreciate each and every one. Today's poem was especially moving and insightful. Both my thinking mind and my empty mind took great pleasure.
Thank you, Bill and glad you enjoy them. This hawk encounter was a true gift.
I love that they pay little mind to us, it should keep us humble.
Agreed, Thomas. Seeing them fly and hunt and simply sit perched keeps me humble. Such an amazing creature.