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.
Hi Beverley, I’m actually quite a fan of the sparrowhawk. Mainly because it was my first close encounter. One landed on the fence right outside my window and looked in at me… I’ve never forgotten those amazing eyes!
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.
The orange on an adult Cooper's Hawk is one of the more perfect colors in nature, IMO. You've captured it perfectly. I hope you and this hawk have a long relationship of mutual respect and admiration.
Thanks, Nathaniel and luck and timing with that image. It's been an interesting experience over the past year learning about this particular family of Cooper's Hawks. I am hoping to see more of them this Spring in the next few weeks.
Wildlife do remember people, cars, etc. One wildlife rescue I worked at fielded hundreds of calls in the Summer in the Sonoran desert. Cooper hawks, sometimes young ones, would either fall out of their nest or would be on the ground. It was hot and the public was worried about them. Usually, they were fine and cooling off on the ground in the shade. Like we all would do.
If not, we rescued, rehabbed and released, when possible. I loved the release part.
So true, Robin about wildlife remembering and recognizing people. That is grear that the wildlife rescue were helping out with the young hawks in that way.
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.
Me too. I get so thrilled to see a buzzard in flight
Do you have a favourite bird of prey?
My favourite would be the Peregrine Falcon. I have only seen them a few times. Stunning bird though! I was fortunate to capture this image several years ago: https://neilbarker.substack.com/p/peregrine-falcon-perched-and-prepared?utm_source=publication-search
Wow what an encounter of the Peregrine Neil.
Hi Beverley, I’m actually quite a fan of the sparrowhawk. Mainly because it was my first close encounter. One landed on the fence right outside my window and looked in at me… I’ve never forgotten those amazing eyes!
How about you? Is it the buzzard?
“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.
A Great Grey Owl and a Cooper’s hawk in the same day! How lucky!
Thanks Aria and definitely fortunate that day!
The orange on an adult Cooper's Hawk is one of the more perfect colors in nature, IMO. You've captured it perfectly. I hope you and this hawk have a long relationship of mutual respect and admiration.
Thanks, Nathaniel and luck and timing with that image. It's been an interesting experience over the past year learning about this particular family of Cooper's Hawks. I am hoping to see more of them this Spring in the next few weeks.
Wildlife do remember people, cars, etc. One wildlife rescue I worked at fielded hundreds of calls in the Summer in the Sonoran desert. Cooper hawks, sometimes young ones, would either fall out of their nest or would be on the ground. It was hot and the public was worried about them. Usually, they were fine and cooling off on the ground in the shade. Like we all would do.
If not, we rescued, rehabbed and released, when possible. I loved the release part.
They live around people and watch us like a hawk.
So true, Robin about wildlife remembering and recognizing people. That is grear that the wildlife rescue were helping out with the young hawks in that way.
Thanks, Neil. I appreciate sharing stories with you.
Great hawk photos. Thank you for sharing them with us.
Thank you and I was really fortunate that day as this hawk was very patient.
Obviously he had been successful in his hunting already before.
Gorgeous!
Agreed, Lara! I was really surprised they remained so still!