*swoop*

Less than a block away from home something swooped over me with wings so effortlessly silent I knew it was something deadly. Not deadly to me - but deadly nonetheless.
It landed in the furthest tree on the empty lot across the street and, naturally, I put down the bike, grabbed the camera and walked over there. The bird, I think it's a Cooper's Hawk but I could be wrong, was ignoring me. I felt a strong urge to protect the lovelies in my backyard from the monster while at the same time getting to know the monster better. Odd.
I took some photos as I approached, hoping to get close enough for something good but the branches were blocking my sight. I pretended to be a little birdie so he'd look in my direction; I even did a quiet whistle.
For a moment it looked like I was successful - then it stretched, pooped in my general direction (Missed! Ha!) and flew away.

The neighbourhood now safe again, I played with the sparrows and the squirrels.