The Look of Intense

If I could...I would post a picture of a hawk every day. While I don't like them in my back yard...I do like to see them as they intently wait and watch for food...for the opportunity to swoop.

I actually saw 2 today. On my way to my church drywall project...one was poised on a telephone wire. I braked quickly...turned around...and pulled to the side of the road. No shoulder...not a good place to be. By the time I changed lenses...he flew off. I think he smiled as he left.

On my way home...I noticed another one near the expressway. Again a quick U-turn, jumped out, and started snapping. An older man...standing next to a riding mower...holding a rake...giving me the stink-eye. I was pulled over onto his yard.

Man for man...I think I could have taken him...but a scene popped into my head of him coming at me on the tractor...using the rake like a polo mallet...with me being the ball. I put on my best smiley face, and asked if was all right for me to take a few pictures. He got in one shot with the rake handle just below my knees before he said OK.

It was exciting to see the hawk spot something in the brush, and make his calculated swoop. He landed with a kaboom, but came up empty. He left the telephone pole, and switched to a tree. I got a couple more shots before he left the premises. I put them on my flickr page.

Such a majestic bird. Intense.Diligent. Powerful. Acute. Keen. Fervent. (A small thank you to Mr. Webster and his Thesaurus.)

Click it into MASH for a closer look at Hawkeye Pierce.