When you see a comment I post, the little Gravatar above shows up. I realized that I had never written about this image, so I chose to do so today. I have always loved hawks, whether sitting atop power poles and trees or flying overhead. Occasionally I have even been very close as a hawk devoured her prey–usually a squirrel or a pigeon. Neither of those creatures are endangered, especially not around my house!
Falconry lives in little pocket throughout New England. I learned that it also still reigns in England, as one plucky hawk keeps Wimbledon free of pigeons.
As a gift, my husband took me to Hadley, Massachusetts to the home of New England Falconry for a 45 minute talk and experience with a Harris hawk, pictured above. After donning a thick leather glove, clasping a tiny piece of fresh meat(rabbit I think) I stood stock still while the handler whistled to the hawk in a nearby tree. For a while the hawk was more interested in chasing a nearby bird, but eventually he saw the meat. In a staggeringly fast move he swooped down, landed on my glove and ate the meat. The photo captures the moment he was swallowing it down.
I was about as startled as you would expect as the bird flew straight at me, despite my being told that was what would happen. It took a moment for my heart rate to return to any semblance of normal. But as soon as it did, I was ready to try it again. There is nothing to outdo looking a bird of prey eye to eye and rejoicing that he prefers rabbit!
Saved By Words 
Did the handler whistle from nearby you?
LikeLike
Yes. He was next to me.
LikeLike
I had always guessed the origin of your gravatar image, Elizabeth. But it is nice to hear the full story. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLike
Harris Hawks are big. The next step is an Eagle Owl.
LikeLike
I agree that they are truly beautiful and I love to watch as our local Goshawk flies through the wood with its wingtips inches from the trees. However, I feel less enthusiasm for him when I find he has taken some of my poultry. I now factor in those losses when we incubate
LikeLike
That of course is the rest of the story about hawks. And foxes.(which I also love to see)
LikeLike
Wow! I always wondered about the image. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLike
Beautiful. Nothing like seeing creatures exhibit their innate instincts.
LikeLike
I also was curious about your Gravatar—thanks for sharing. It must be an incredible feeling as you see a hawk descending your way.
LikeLike
And a little intimidating!
LikeLike
I too love hawks and their cousins. I’ve also had that experience, Elizabeth, when the bird swoops down to you. Amazing! I would love to do it again.
LikeLike
This post reminded me of the book H is For Hawk. Have you read it?
Your last line!😂
LikeLike
Yes. I loved that book.
LikeLike
My parents took me to a similar place when I was a child, but it was a cage full of parrots. When they came at me and started picking my hands, I cried til kingdom come. 😂
LikeLike
Yikes.
LikeLike
Thanks for explaining, I always wondered about your Gravatar. Birds of prey are beautiful animals.
LikeLike
You are welcome.
LikeLiked by 1 person