Hawk
This spring, we were graced with a pair of Red Shouldered Hawks who made a nest directly outside our bedroom windows. Their babies are still in the nest, but based on what we are reading, will soon fly.
Earlier today, one of the adult Hawks perched on our neighbor’s car and looked directly into our family room window. It caught our attention. Cameras in hand, we went outside and spent a good half hour exchanging deep glances with this incredible creature. Its mate flew above. We could see the babies’ heads bob up and down from their abode high above. It was peaceful and mesmerizing.
Much has been said about the spiritual ties with Hawk and at numerous crossroads of late, I can say I’ve had a Hawk connection. In June of 2017 when I was struggling between jobs, a Red Tailed Hawk dove down right in front of me while I was driving towards my parents home. The sudden and deliberate movement brought forth a different wave of energy. My worrisome thinking took a pause. Never had I witnessed something like this, especially so close. Shortly thereafter, I had a breakthrough and a new start. At other times since, while contemplating changes, new horizons and life directions, I’ve seen a Hawk or two soaring effortlessly overhead. I sense them around me. It’s comforting, albeit strange to some.
But this latest encounter, with a roost so close and intimate, is humbling. Their cries, as they soar high above and call to each other, ground me. Their sky, an endless arc. This is a new presence in my world. These birds–the size of our cats, I might add–chose to live near us and be part of our everyday. Yes, I do believe graced is the right word to describe this current state.
Ever curious, I turned to the Internet.
A few things I read today while we examined our photos, working to identify the type of Hawk who has made a home so close to ours…
“In ancient times Hawk was associated with the soul. The Egyptians, for example, depicted the human spirit as a Hawk that flew out of the body and reincarnated as a Hawk. Notably Horus, the sky god, also held Hawk sacred. Similarly, the Greeks associated Hawk with Jupiter, the chief among all gods.”
In Native American culture, “Hawk is the Earth’s guardian. In spirit form, Hawk flies continuously, remaining ever vigilant. Iroquois stories say that Hawk bears a bow and fire arrows to help in his commission.”
Other sources state, “Hawks represent the messengers of the spirit world, so seeing them definitely means the universe wants you to learn powerful lessons or expand your knowledge and wisdom. Hawks also encourage you to use laser focus and precision to get things done, and to take the lead in life. So, if you happen to spot hawks often in your life, the universe could be trying to send you these important messages.”
Like Cardinals, who are also ever present outside our window, and, curiously, spend time looking inward at us, Hawks mate for life. Both Dave and I do not see this as a random coincidence.
Some of you may think I’ve gone batshit crazy. Understandable. I’ve never had a deep affinity with birds in the past. I’d notice them, but never stopped to think much about them. Now, I find myself drawn to these majestic creatures and more and more, all creatures who soar. I get lost watching them. I wonder what it is like to transition from earth to sky and how it feels to be so damned free. Wind and air and flight–these things now make me pause. Breathe. Slow down. Think. Realize when I am wide open, feeling small, I am not alone.
* * *
As I wrapped up this post, the Hawk cried, its sound trailing away. Hearing this brought two songs to mind. Both were penned by the same artist, and both introduced to me at a pivotal time in my early teens. Given everything I’ve heard and connected with since, these songs have stayed with me. A part of life’s soundtrack, so to speak. At times, I found their presence comforting in their pure nostalgia. Other times, maddening. Most times however, I found their haphazard trigger in my temporal lobe curious. Quietly, I’d sing along and think, “Of all songs, why?” Maybe now I know. ~ Jacqui
“I am the eagle, I live in high country
In rocky cathedrals that reach to the sky
I am the hawk and there’s blood on my feathers
I am the hawk and there’s blood on my feathers
But time is still turning they soon will be dry
And all of those who see me, all who believe in me
Share in the freedom I feel when I fly
Come dance with the west wind and touch on the mountain tops
Sail over the canyons and up to the stars
And reach for the heavens and hope for the future
And all that we can be and not what we are”
And all of those who see me, all who believe in me
Share in the freedom I feel when I fly
Come dance with the west wind and touch on the mountain tops
Sail over the canyons and up to the stars
And reach for the heavens and hope for the future
And all that we can be and not what we are”
The Eagle and the Hawk Songwriters John Denver / Mike Taylor
The Eagle and the Hawk lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc, Reservoir Media Management Inc, BMG Rights Management
“The wind is the whisper of our mother the earth
The wind is the hand of our father the sky
The wind watches over our struggles and pleasures
The wind is the goddess who first learned to fly
The wind is the hand of our father the sky
The wind watches over our struggles and pleasures
The wind is the goddess who first learned to fly
The wind is the bearer of bad and good tidings
The weaver of darkness, the bringer of dawn
The wind gives the rain, then builds us a rainbow
The wind is the singer when sang the first song
The weaver of darkness, the bringer of dawn
The wind gives the rain, then builds us a rainbow
The wind is the singer when sang the first song
The wind is a twister of anger and warning
The wind brings the fragrance of freshly mown hay
The wind is a racer, a wild stallion running
The sweet taste of love on a slow summer’s day
The wind brings the fragrance of freshly mown hay
The wind is a racer, a wild stallion running
The sweet taste of love on a slow summer’s day
The wind knows the songs of the cities and canyons
The thunder of mountains, the roar of the sea
The wind is the taker and giver of mornings
The wind is the symbol of all that is free”
The thunder of mountains, the roar of the sea
The wind is the taker and giver of mornings
The wind is the symbol of all that is free”
Windsong Songwriters: John Denver / Joe Henry
Windsong lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Reservoir Media Management Inc, BMG Rights Management
Nashville or Bust 
Lots of hearts from me on this! I have always loved birds. Always! And before I saw the first song you posted, I thought of that John Denver song and somehow knew that would be the one. It makes me cry every time I hear it, it evokes powerful emotion in me.
What a gift to have these beautiful birds as neighbors!
Comment by Mary Lou | May 26, 2019 |
🙂 Well, I did have every John Denver album. I listened to Windsong again late yesterday. It’s a prayer of a song.
Comment by daveandjacqui | May 27, 2019 |
Beautiful! But just Keep your cats out of their clutches! It definitely happens. Especially while they have babies to feed.
Comment by Joe Fortunato | May 27, 2019 |
We have noticed a reduction in our chipmunk population which was out of control. Nature’s way. The cats are inside.
Comment by daveandjacqui | May 27, 2019 |