For many days in a row, I found bloody feathers beneath a tree. I wondered if the culprit was a hawk, or an owl, or a cat. And then yesterday, as I was coming home from the little market down the street, I saw a small sparrow hawk with the flight precision of a fighter pilot, swoop under the tree. Immediately the tree emptied of other birds with shrill shrieks and frenetic chaos.
Walking over for a closer look, I watched him. It occurred to me that maybe I should be repulsed, or saddened or even frightened. But I was awe-struck. He looked down at me, straight into my eyes and I nodded, the tiniest little head nod, before turning away.
spanishwoods 
It’s an incredible phenomenon, as you say filled with awe and precision, hard to know what to think, so we go with what we feel. Wonderful story, sw.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Right, that’s it Jet. It’s such a mixture of apprehension and wonder. That small hawk had such a presence and such a “look”, I don’t know. All I could do was be an irrelevant witness which was both troubling and a relief.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It’s a bit comforting to know that they only kill to eat, but sad as I feel when I have seen this myself they are such beautiful birds.Your story was lovely and lovely put. Thank You.
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
I find birds of prey worthy of awe. They are powerful, daring
hunters. But I have read they never kill for sport, only what
they need to survive.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Really fascinating.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Amazing! Sounds like a kestral.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, I looked it up after reading your inquiry and it seems as though there are many types of sparrow hawks ranging in colors and sizes and locations and in fact they seem to be known as Kestrals as well as Sparrow Hawks. I didn’t realize that. Learned something new today. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Cool! I learned about them in college, and even did a paper on kestrals. They are the smallest bird of prey. I almost became a wildlife biologist in those days. Peace to you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kestrels are really lovely, as are every kind of Hawk. To see them dive in action is really something, but God help the poor little creatures who is his prey.
LikeLike
survival of the fittest – nature doing it’s thing…… kinda awestruck and sad all at once. š
LikeLike
Yes, that’s right.
LikeLike
Birds evolved from raptor dinosaurs; that some remain predatory is certainly in their genes. That head nod may have been understood. I’ve kept parrots for many years, and a head nod or up and down movement means acceptance or approval; shaking the head back and forth horizontally indicates unacceptance or disapproval.
LikeLike
Tom, I have no idea why I did the little nod. I just did it automatically and really I think it just meant, “I am completely awe-struck by you and I will now leave you alone and walk away.” Thank you for sharing your story with me, I had no idea that there was an “understood” head movement between some birds and their keepers. So interesting.
LikeLike
There is nothing like staring into the face of a sparrow hawk, or American Kestrel, at close range. The colored, patterned face marking are beautiful and exquisite.
LikeLike
You are very right.
LikeLiked by 1 person