Suddenly I realize I don’t hear any birds. This time of year at the bird feeder it’s usually a constant chorus of finches and sparrows. And sometimes the burbling of quail. But now I hear none of them. Looking out the kitchen window I see the reason: sitting on the gate post a hawk checks out the area. The white wing doves have flown away, quail have raced off into the brush and most of the small birds are safely away. I spot a couple of finches in the sage bush about 10‘ from the hawk, carefully not calling attention to themselves.
The hawk surveys all directions, what a swivel neck it has! It doesn’t flinch as all the school buses go down the road, just keeps searching. Eventually it flies off to find a better hunting ground.
I deliberately put seed out and provide clean water. I love having birds around, to hear them, to watch their behavior. And I have learned that my bird feeder is for all birds, even the predator that will fiercely take any of those sweet sparrows that it can.
Always Backroads 