Raptor

The Oxford Dictionary defines raptor in the following manner: noun, a bird of prey, e.g., an eagle, hawk, falcon, or owl. Raptors tend to inspire a sense of awe in us humans. They are strong, fast, agile, fierce, loyal (some mate for life and defend territories fiercely) and striking to look at. They inspire a sense of honor and patriotic sense of pride. Maybe that’s why these stunning animals can be found as symbols literally everywhere from the United States national bird to military patches, and SWAT logos and pins. They inspire the best in us.

Over the last several months I have had the unbelievable privilege to trek into the woodlands and wild lands of North Florida and photograph all kinds of birds and wild animals in their natural habitat. During that time, I have been very lucky and come across multiple raptors doing what they do in the trees and skies of our country. I have watched, taken pictures and learned as I have gone. In spite of hundreds of years of directed cruelty, misunderstanding and recreational hunting many of these animals will very surprisingly tolerate the presence of a patient, slow, non-threatening human in proximity to them. Therefore, allowing me to capture a few photographs I’m actually pleased with that tell a lot about these creatures and should remind us to look inwardly now and then.

Raptors fill an important niche in our ecosystem. They eat stuff that, left out of control become intolerable pests for humans. Consider the “great hawk hunt” of the early 1900s up until about 1945. It nearly wiped out Red Tailed Hawks, Red Shouldered Hawks and similar species. Why? Because of a huge misconception that these animals feed exclusively on chickens fueled by an erroneous (albeit amusing) cartoon. The farmers began to realize that without the hawks around, they had an intolerable rodent problem. Bald Eagles and Great Horned Owls eat anything from carrion to medium sized game like rabbits and American Coot. For those of you who are not fans of snakes, thank hawks in part for keeping the population in check. Yes, there is one hawk that is nearly universally despised by bird lovers. If it shows up in your back yard by your bird feeders, you are likely in for a grisly show. The Coopers Hawk feeds almost exclusively on songbirds I’m sorry to say. Hey, they have to make a living too.

On a recent hike in the biting cold I had a chance to watch an Osprey hunt at close range. Nearly exclusive a “fish hawk” when they hunt its over water and even with a telephoto lens remarkably difficult to capture moments like these. In spite of being very large, they are capable of “hovering” (like the aircraft that bears their name), they circle, dive and their giant talons are on display.

The Bald eagle is an immense bird. The wingspan of an adult can reach just over seven feet. Think about it. A wingspan that is wider than most NBA players are tall. Having had close encounters with them in the wild, I can attest to the fact that they are tall when perched as well. We are all familiar with the black and white coloring of adults. Sub-adults have a mottled brownish coloring that lends its self to camouflage better. Females are notably larger than the males.

As we go about our daily business, take the time to cast your eyes skyward. Listen for the cries of the hawk in the morning or the sweet duet of the barred owls in the evening. Remind yourself why these majestic animals are so symbolically prevalent in our society. They aren’t simply symbols…they are reminders of who we can be. Who we are.

Somber note. Yesterday I learned of yet another law enforcement officer in my area who committed suicide. We never know what’s happening with our fellow human beings. Practice kindness and compassion.

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