Tangled Branches: Cultivated
happenings in and around my zone 6b gardens in northern Virginia and in central Virginia
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Big Bird
While tethered to the computer slaving away at end-of-the-year bookkeeping, I heard the unhappy sound of a bird hitting the patio door. Must have been a big one, I thought.
Bigger than I imagined. When I first laid eyes on this, my brain couldn't reconcile the songbird I expected to see with the large brown creature I actually saw.
I didn't want to disturb it while it was still stunned, but I wanted a photo. And I was troubled by the sight of its extended wing and wondering how to contact a wildlife rehabilitator. I got close enough to the door to take a couple of good pictures and then...
Oh no, it's headed right for the door again.
It corrected its mistake at the last minute and headed for the trees instead. I didn't see where it went, but felt relieved that it could fly.
I think it's a juvenile Red-Tailed Hawk, but I'm no expert on big birds. Anybody else have an opinion?
Labels: birds
6 Comments:
Tragically exciting. I love the raptors. They have a majesty that is not seen elsewhere.
Tabor: Majesty is a good word for them. And maybe a bit haughty. I wonder if/what they fear? Besides windows...
I came across your older post on hibiscus tea. I live in central Virginia as well. Do you know where I could buy dried hibiscus to make my own tea? I could order it but it'd be nice to support someone local if I can.
Dana: Hmmm, I've never bought any. But I have seen hibiscus for sale in the big Korean-owned international grocery stores in northern Virginia, in the Latino section. I can't remember what the label said, but I suppose it was Flor de Jamaica. I'd check with local Latino grocery stores or maybe some of the older health food stores like Integral Yoga in Charlottesville or Ellwood Thompson's in Richmond. Sorry not to be of more help, but thanks for stopping by!
Wow. I think you're right re: the hawk, but there are so many of them that are tough to tell apart. Did he look like he was pretty sturdy as he flew away?
Blackswamp Girl: I lost track of it almost as soon as it flew away, so I think it was OK. I saw another one a few days ago, so I'm hoping it was the same one.
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