The Hawk and the Little Red Bird

13 Saturday Feb 2016

Posted by t - That's Me in Personal Musings, Seasons, Uncategorized, winter

Tags

finch, hawk, hunt, little bird, porch, predator, prey, red bird, sparrows

That moment a hawk flies through the air space of your front porch on a sunny yet chilly morning in mid-February. I’ve seen hawks around before. I’ve even seen them in my yard. One was actually chased away by several sparrows of some variety who had taken up residence in my little oak tree this past summer. The hawk had landed on the tiny patch of ground I call my front yard. I figured those smaller birds were in parental mode, protecting their young. I mentioned the occurrence to an acquaintance shortly thereafter but was adamantly advised that hawks do not go after other birds. I can now confidently say that that is not the case.

This morning I saw through the curtains a mottled tan blur, and more distinctly above, long feathered wings back-dropped by the white tongue-and-groove ceiling of my porch, of what I was certain to be a hawk. A hawk on a mission. I dashed to where I keep my camera near that same front window, and while digging the camera from its bag I was simultaneously peering out the window and saw a small reddish bird. It was about the size of a house finch, but more mauve-like across its entire body, sleek, and with a long-ish tail. This little bird was sitting on the lower railing at the end of my porch, earnestly looking around, hopping in near circles, oblivious to my presence as it notably had a more prominent danger at hand. It then darted off the protective railing in the direction around the side of my house and swoosh, the streak of a hawk jetted after its prey. I ran outside but they were no more to be seen. I don’t know which would prove to be the victor of this morning’s game of life.

Note: The cover image is not my own photo. I was unable to get a picture of either bird.

Image

Enchanted Journey in a Midwest City

04 Thursday Feb 2016

Tags

Adventure, angles, Art Deco, Artwork, Caverns, Caves, City Museum, Craft, Deco, kaleidoscope, Mosaic, Museum, perspective, photography, Re-purpose, Recycle, Repurpose, Reuse, Sculptures

Always before, I was with my children. Amazing as those times were, I was busy being a parent. And I didn’t have a camera.

I gave myself a personal day to play, paint brush in one hand and camera in the other. I pondered posting of this magnificent, somewhat hidden treasure. But then I realized I don’t have a big enough following to worry about what I like to think of as a secret in the city. City Museum, St. Louis, MO. They craft and make with donated items, re-purposing at the very core in oh so cool ways.

Anyway, a couple weeks ago I got word that they were repainting rollers they re-purposed to the likes of spindles along stairway and balcony railings. Art Deco painting. Yeah, baby! And they were opening it to the public, via paid general admission, during an announced date and time. Yes! Yes! Yes! However, being the responsible adult I generally am, duty called and the moment was lost. The first time for them to be repainted in 20 years. So when I heard there was to be another session, I informed my client I would not be working that day, no matter what. I am soooooo glad I took my camera. (If you haven’t guessed, there are some pictures.) The rollers got me there, but then……

Did I mention the caves and 10-story high slides, and constructs of wire and other mediums forming human habitrails throughout? Yes, any time you see a big spiraling wire structure, people are able to travel through such, sometimes several stories above ground.

I didn’t even go to the outdoor MonstroCity, though you can see snippets of such through a couple windows. Next time.

But until then, I hope you enjoy the pictures. (Categories: The Rollers, Wired Up, Caves, Eclectic Assortment)