The cry of the hawk, reaching my ears even through the closed windows of my house, reminds me instantly of my grandparent’s house.
My grandfather built his house on the side of a tall, tall hill, at the end of a street, at the edge of the woods.
My sister and I would climb up the grassy hill, and run down it, screaming like the little girls that we were. My parents and grandparents would sit outside on the large wooden deck watching us. Once, I stared screaming in more of a scared way than an excited way. I saw a black snake slithering in the grass. He was going sideways as I was going down.
The trail in the woods led to a little creek that trickled here and there. The water was always icy cold, even in the summer. Further on, an old abandoned car rusted away. My sister and I always wondered how a car could get into the middle of the woods and be forgotten.
And always, by the grassy meadow or up on the hill, I would hear the cry of a hawk.
This summer, we often spotted a small hawk in our suburban yard. Because of its striped tail feathers, we think it is a Cooper’s Hawk. He is small, and seems to be rather foolish. We saw him once chase a squirrel, with no chance of actually catching it. The nest he built for his mate was rather flimsy. Twigs kept falling down to the ground and an actual, solid nest never materialized.
Just the other morning, I heard his shrill hawk cry again. Fierce and independent sounding, not foolish at all.
I hope that hawk is growing more mature, so he can start doing his job around here and catch those dang mice.
I love how you have so many memories and when I read yours, my own start coming back as well! Thank you!
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That's so nice to hear! I have fun writing my memories down, and reading about your memories in your comments!
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So wonderfully written! I especially like the part about wondering how a car could be forgotten in the woods. I do hope that hawk does his job!
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Thank you! Yes, I don't need any more mice stories!
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Such a funny post! I guess hawks also go through foolish years of youth! LOL! … I hope "he" becomes a more responsible hawk! LOL!
It has been fun to watch him out our windows this summer! The girls spotted him often!
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We have a hawk that frequents our back yard, too! The whole time I was thinking, "I wish that hawk would find your house mouse!" HA! Great minds think alike! 🙂
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That is so funny! We have some chipmunks I'd like him to catch, too….
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I love how the sound of a hawk can bring back the memories of your Grandfather's house! It sounds like it was a magical place.
It was magical. I can't remember the last time I went there, but the property was sold after my Grandpa died.
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Your last line made me laugh! I love how you described those childhood memories, REALLY loved it!
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Thanks, Liz! It's fun going down memory lane. 🙂
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I'm always worried the hawks around here are going to eat my dogs.
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Oh, yes, your dogs are small! This hawk is pretty small, too. If he can't get a squirrel, I don't think he'd go after dogs!
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We have hawks everyday. Actually we had a big one on the fence yesterday afternoon. They kinda scare me, especially when Skye was a puppy. We get owls too! I haven't actually noticed their cry.
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Memories of grandparents can be so magical. Thanks for sharing yours. What a fun connection you have.
Happy Sharefest. I hope you have a lovely weekend.
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