MAMA HAWK

In the weeks that followed her initial desertion, awareness and trust grew between Papa and Mama Hawk. She learned a mother should never abandon the nest, and he accepted the role of provider. He became an expert at detecting and swooping down on his prey. Mama Hawk never went hungry.

PAPA HAWK

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Whenever Papa Hawk perched for longer periods near the nest, Mama Hawk would raise herself carefully, stretch out, and fly in circles nearby. She exercised, as he played babysitter over their nest.

MAMA HAWK

PAPA HAWK

Papa Hawk’s favorite lookout remained the top of the evergreen tree. The breeze cooled him, and the roost offered an unobstructed view. From this advantage, he hunted for prey. The annoyed blue jays often squawked. After all, they had their own nest to protect and were unhappy with the intrusive predator. The bizarre, early dawn gathering of these natural enemies became a ritual.

I spied on them, confused by the hawk’s tolerance towards the blue jays and mystified by their persistent boldness. And then, eggs begin to hatch.

THE BLUE JAYS

The newly hatched blue jays squeaked in weak unison, begging to be fed.

The hawk arrivals, however, screamed in high-pitched, irritating tones. Papa Hawk hunted with a vengeance, bringing food often to Mama Hawk to feed their offspring, and then quickly leaving to seek more prey. Even after leaving the nest, the fledglings continued to screech for food, disturbing the otherwise peaceful surroundings.

SECTIONS OF THE VAST INHABITANT USED BY  BOTH SETS OF PARENTS

The hot summer brought me to my window often. Every now and then, Papa Hawk would favor me with a direct look and a fast fly by with his wing tilted, as if he were waving at me again. He was still my talisman, after all. He had charisma, and all the characteristics for being an exceptional family man. I didn’t understand why he let the blue jays bully him, but then, there was so much more about him to be valued.

The blue jays, on the other hand, became more and more agitated, as Papa Hawk surveyed his world at the top of the evergreen tree. Their attacks became more vicious, once their offspring struggled to fly. The hawk refused to give way. He’d fly off for a while, giving the jays a reprieve, but then he’d reappear.

Nature plays a role in balancing creation, but it doesn’t necessarily do it in the way one might expect. Alarms were sounding; a showdown between the two sets of parents was inevitable.

To be continued…