
Wrens, sparrows, robins, blue jays and the rest of the gang stopped by all summer to splash in the bird bath but for the first time since spring, I’ve starting filling the bird feeder again. For months, there’s been no shortage of berries and bugs for them to eat but now that cold weather is creeping back on us, I want to them to know I’ll be here for them.
Saturday was a glorious warm October day and I spent time sitting on the front porch watching the feeder action and soaking in the sun. A few squirrels foraged for seeds in the fallen leaves with the mourning doves, who prefer the ground for eating – their unwieldy bodies challenged by my vertical feeder. A blue jay noisily announced it’s arrival before gorging on sunflower seeds. Nuthatches and chickadees skittered about joining in with lots of peeping, other jays squawking and squirrels chattering – when they all suddenly quieted. After the audible mass flutter of wings as everyone took off, the yard was silent. There must be a bird of prey around, I thought and briefly looked up at the sky and through the branches. No sign of anything. I returned to staring at my phone and drinking my tea. Whoosh! On the lounge chair a few feet away from me, landed a gorgeous and very large hawk – facing me – both of us wide eyed.
We gazed at each other in shock before it took off with a few flaps across the yard. No hunting in this neighborhood, at least for now! The moment was thrilling and I’m glad none of my feeder-friends became lunch. And what a fantastic cooperative security system they have!

Around 3, I took the kayak out for what might end up being the last paddle of the season. The sun, still deliciously hot, warmed the wind that made paddling tough but caused no chill. While the water looked relatively calm on the surface, the current was pushing me in directions I didn’t intend so I abandoned my intent to go straight across to the island about 20 minutes away. Instead I lingered near the sandbar that disappears at high tide. I floated, listening to the wind rustle through the sea grass. That was enough.
Always nice to read your posts!
Your afternoon sounds so lovely. What a thrill seeing that hawk eye to eye! And what a beautiful place to go kayaking. I think I would love it where you live.
Lovely seasonal writing. Seeing a hawk up close is unforgettable- one landed in my garden some years ago and I can still picture it…
Deborah! It’s so lovely to see your name pop up here! Thank you for reading and letting me know you’re here!
So well written, Tricia. I felt like I was right there with you. How sweet and peaceful to watch those birds munch away, thanks to you. Brazen hawk; eye to eye!
Keep ‘em coming!
Yes, the birds are a great joy — and how thrilling to have a hawk drop by!
What a lovely Saturday!
Such an evocative piece. Lovely descriptions. It makes me happy to think of you relaxing and listening to your birds. Exciting to have that hawk swoosh in!