Clinging Closely

Cooper's Hawk

Today I made a fascinating discovery in our garden forest.  For the past few days, the birds have disappeared from the landscape and I couldn't figure out why.  The hummingbirds have been chirping up a storm at El Presidio. And then....a squack!!  squack!!  I walk outside and discover two large winged shadows fly over my head and into our live oak trees.  A dead pigeon lies on the ground and a homeowner stands in awe at Mother Nature's bloody show.  I quickly run and get my camera to snap shots of the action and it's all so incredible to watch.  It is cold and breezy in the Old Pueblo.  We had a light rain storm the night before and everything smells fresh outside.  The mountains, from our courtyard, are still blanketed by the remnants of the passing storm system. I feel like a little kid again with my camera.  AND I don't have to leave my garden to witness it all! The hawks cling to the branches for tactical advantage.  The clouds cling to the mountains and try to stay intact. And we cling close to home to bundle up in our blankets on this very wonderful day off from work.