Chirps and Cheeps

Today, as I watched "my" feathered friends happily eating at my well-stocked feeders, I was horrified to see a Cooper's Hawk descend upon the group.  This was the first time I've witnessed such a terrifying event.  Fortunately, for the song birds, no one fell victim to this impressive creature. He stopped for a few moments directly under the feeders - only giving me enough time to grab my camera and take 2 quick shots before he slowly and gracefully floated into the nearby pines.

I was struck by how tenuous the lives of our little friends are. Often I've thought that they're just too "flighty". Sit down, relax and eat! But the least little shadow or noise sometimes scares them into flight. NOW I get it! Their very lives depend on their quick response to potential danger.

As I sit here in my cozy home, I now have a deeper understanding about the life and death matters going on right outside my window.