Possibilities

While out on a walk, a Red-tailed Hawk

suddenly swooped in without a sound.

His flared tail, a copper fan,

slowed his landing onto the branch.

He shook and shivered

his body feathers into place.

Considered this tree a possible space

to scan the ground for possible prey.

But soon became indignant

that I was watching him watch.

He lifted off effortlessly and flew away,

seemingly disgruntled by my human presence,

and searching for new possibilities.

© 2024 Richard Havenga

Blue Statue

 

The Great Blue Heron statue,

standing still in shallow water,

begins a slow-motion ballet.

A picture of patience,

leaning over its own reflection,

holding a pose of predation.

Cattail leaves swaying gently,

frame the backdrop for

the anticipated attack.

Living spear thrusts.

Calm water splashes.

Heron pierces prey.

© 2021 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. & 2. Estero, Florida

3. & 4. Rogue River - Rockford, Michigan

Warrior

Wading and walking
with slow stealth,
dark feet slip
into dark water;
barely a ripple,
graceful as a ballerina,

yet ready as a warrior
to thrust its spear,
to plunge with precision
at a silver minnow,
to pierce its silver scales;
or miss.

Now waiting again;
yellow eyes
intensely focused,
prepared for prey,
patient as a monk,
still as stone,
wading the wetlands,
stalking in silence,
this master of the marsh,
this fierce, feathered warrior.

© 2016 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. & 2. Rogue River - Rockford, Michigan 

3. & 4. Eagle Lakes Park - Naples, Florida 

Pursuit of Prey

Scanning/Searching

Found/Focused

Propel/Pursue

 

 

 

 

 



Capture/Consume

(Click on photos to enlarge)


Red-tailed Hawk:  Buteo jamaicensis


Photo Location:  Hatchet,  Wyoming (Wyoming)