Note: This post was written by my husband and new author to my blog, The Scribe. (aka: Paul) I'm excited to let him share his perspective, since he is at most of my shoots in the field. He's also been writing for my Shots n' Thoughts blog. CHECK IT OUT!
So, after church last Sunday, we needed to drive to the store in downtown Kuna to get a couple of things, and we spot this Swainson's hawk on top of a light pole by the intersection of Avalon and Swan Falls Road, right above a grassy field. We pull a U-turn (something we often have to do when birding) and stop at the side of the road.
Lo and behold, there are also two fledgling Swainson's on the ground, too. One was obviously younger than the other. They were making quite a ruckus and seemed to be finding something yummy to eat in the grass at the bottom of the light pole. I really don't want to guess what it might have been, but I do know that they like insects and mice and the like.
Meanwhile, we spot a dark morph Swainson's flying around overhead. Now, keep in mind, this is all in downtown Kuna on a Sunday afternoon, cars whizzing by, sun blazing. A bit of God's awesome creation showcased right before our eyes!
I don't know exactly how long the fledglings stayed there in the grass, but the younger one didn't seem like he wanted to go anywhere. The older one took off and flew toward a tree not too far from where we were parked. His inexperience at tree landings resulted in him picking too thin of a branch and falling out of the tree. He recovered from his fall and flew RIGHT over us! I could have reached up and grabbed him! Kathleen ducked and didn't get a shot off. I guess she was more concerned about the bird than getting a picture.
After the near collision with our vehicle, he flew over and landed on the fence, right next to the road and about 10 yards from the younger fledgling. It was all quite unexpected and quite a treat! It just goes to show you that you never know when or where God will reveal His glory!
- The Scribe
