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| Mr. Hawk on top of the light fixture |
My day immediately took on a different energy. Initially I was walking to my office mentally making a list of all of the tasks I had to complete and a second list of those I would not be able to fit into the day. As I was doing so I felt the stress of the day already kicking in; I was feeling overwhelmed and I was hoping I threw my Pepid into my bag. But as I looked up and saw this majestic bird, a sight that is rarely seen in an area such as this, my mindset immediately switched to that of gratitude. What a privilege to be able to see this beautiful bird, just sitting calmly in this urban area. (At first I thought it was sitting on a nest, but the "grass" is a decoration on top of all of the light fixtures). I was so grateful to be able be a part of this gathering.
Here's another view so you can get an idea of where he was sitting.
And Mr. Hawk did not come alone. His partner was sitting in a nearby tree.
Many people were rushing by, pushing past people standing in their way, saying "What's the big deal. It's only a hawk!) I didn't let them ruin my moment. But how sad for them that they couldn't find the beauty and awe of this moment, or enjoy it for only a few seconds.
Here is a larger view of where the hawks chose to land:
My lesson for the day was that in the midst of chaos there is also calmness if I chose to acknowledge it. It was a message I was in great need of that day. So I thank Mr. and Mrs. Hawk for choosing to visit Brooklyn that morning and making me take a moment to put my busy thoughts aside, embrace beauty, and start my day with a different mindset.
Before I left, I wondered if Mrs. Hawk would like to pose for a Selfie Sunday. And apparently she did!
Dawn
We're joining our friends at The Cat On My Head for the Sunday Selfie Blog Hop. Hop on over and join them!
He takes a fine selfie. That is truly something to see in the big city.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful sight and one that must be quite rare in NY. I for one never take nature for granted, it is after all part of being alive, where we come from and go to. A Wonderful Selfie to share. purrs ERin
ReplyDeleteIt's always important to take time to smell the roses, or in your case, check out the hawk. Think of the great experience those people rushing by missed out on. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLovely!
ReplyDeletePurrs xx
Athena and Marie
WOW! That's a couple of celebrities fur sure!!!
ReplyDeleteHow awesome! My human and I are fortunate to live in an urban area that also is home to wildlife. Seeing hawks is not an everyday thing for us, though, and we are happy when one comes around.
ReplyDeleteWow. Those hawks sure drew a crowd. We have hawks in our area and yes, they are quite majestic. We are always amazed when we see them even though it is more of an occurence for us.
ReplyDeleteOh I LOVE this post!!! Did you know that many cultures believe that hawks are signs of good luck and also a sign that someone who has passed on (animal or human) is sending you a message of hope.
ReplyDeleteA few years ago after my dog Pip passed away I had an experience with a hawk. I was walking to pick up my daughter from camp and there was a beautiful hawk perched in a nearby tree squawking at me. I was so taken with this hawk that I went home and looked up the symbolism of seeing a hawk. That's when I discovered that seeing a hawk is a very good sign. We occasionally see hawks and now my daughter and I like to say it's a sign from Pip letting us know he is OK and happy across the bridge. Not sure what your beliefs on these things are so feel free to disregard, but couldn't resist sharing this story.
Thank you so much for this! Both of my parents have passed, and right now I really needed a message of hope. Thanks for sharing.
DeleteIt is UNHEARD of to see a hawk (let alone two) where you live....I wish I loved them as you do. As The Island Cats said they are rather common here, I do NOT like them because they swoop down and kill animals, even cats.....feral cats, puppies, small dogs, rabbits.......I actually hate them and they make me nervous when I see them. It is also sad because I am thinking that due to so many places being built up and trees and grass being destroyed, hawks, and all sorts of animals are being forced to venture into areas they normally would never enter. I am sorry because you were so positive!!!! For you, I am sure it was a good sign, when I see one they totally affect me differently. catchatwithcarenandcody
ReplyDeleteWow! That really is amazing to see there in busy Brooklyn! What a lovely selfie!
ReplyDeleteWhat beauties...I can definitely see why they changed your day for the better!
ReplyDeleteHow neat! And I'm sure a rare site in the busy city. A wonderful lesson as well - one we could all benefit from hearing. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAlso, thank you for the kind words of love and support you left on Milton's memorial post, and in your Facebook message. We appreciate it more than you know. The cat community is a wonderful place. I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support I've received from friends like you. Thank you <3
Wow, that's so cool, Dawn! We have lots of hawks here in CT, but I always love seeing them in NYC (I work in Midtown, near Central Park, and we see falcons and hawks from time to time -- sometimes even on the ledge of the building). :)
ReplyDeleteI didn't know you worked in midtown! Let me know when you and Tracey are here, I'd love to meet up.
DeleteIs that Metrotech? I'm surprised to see hawks down so low. They've been nesting on the bridges and high floors of some buildings for a long time. We've had a nesting pair of eagles here on Staten Island for several years and a growing deer population. Plus the usual raccoons, opossums, quail, turkey vultures (mostly in what used to be the dump) and a flock of turkeys running around the island. It's amazing how much wildlife is withing NYC borders!
ReplyDeleteGood eye! Yes, it is. I bet you see a lot of wildlife in Staten Island.
DeleteHaving the most wooded areas and the lowest population of the five boroughs, yes we do see a lot of wildlife. The deer were the big surprise to me. Some of the males swim over from NJ during mating season, but there is a growing deer herd permanently on the island. I laugh every time a pass a deer crossing sign on a local street or highway, and on the College of Staten Island campus!
DeleteMaybe Mr Hawk saw the grass decoration and thought it would make a good nest lining. It was nice of Mrs Hawk to oblige with a selfie.
ReplyDeleteI think they both are amazing. Pity the poor "me, myself and I" folk rushing by - one day their lives will be over and it will be "where did it all go?" and "what happened to my life". You on the other hand stopped and realised the amazingness of the hawk - it made a difference to you. You are the lucky one.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! These guys are pretty common in Oregon, and I tend to see several every day. But every time I do, I have reactions just like yours. These guys remind me of all of the blessings every day holds. I wish more people would listen to those lessons.
ReplyDeleteJean from Welcome to the Menagerie
Awesome! I think you had a Mrs. Hawk, though. I love encounters like that!
ReplyDeleteThat's really amazing, Lola. It seems like they made their nest on top of the street light. We have them in our environment too. They are circulate above our house...I hope they don't come for me btw....and they are sitting also on streetlamps near the roads. Granny says they certainly bring a message and it is wonderful that your mommy heard it :) Pawkisses for a great day :) <3
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