Yesterday, on my way back from the park, a woman was approaching from the opposite direction. As we got closer, a Red Tail (I think) Hawk flew between us, very close to the ground. I tried to get a picture of it in flight, but I had to settle for one after he landed.

We were both startled by his flight. When we got close, she looked at my camera and said,

“I hope you got a picture of him!”

The hawk that buzzed us

This post is part of Linda G. Hill’s fun weekly series One-Liner Wednesday. If you have a one-liner, and would like to join in on the fun, you can follow this link to participate and to see the one-liners from the other participants.

All five of my current books are now available in audio book form thanks to Amazon KDP’s Virtual Voice process. The voice is AI generated, but I can honestly say, it’s pretty darn good. The audio books are reasonably priced (all below $7 US) and, if you already own the Kindle version and want to add an audio version, you can do that for $1.99. There is a five-minute sample on the book page for each book. If you’re interested, click on any of the Dreamer’s Alliance book links below the image or on the link below for my latest book.

Bridge to Nowhere

83 responses to “Did You Get It? – 1LinerWeds”

  1. Love the web photo.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I felt a little bad for that spider. Looks like a lot of repair work is needed.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. They are pretty good and quick at this. After all this is their main occupation 🕸️🕷️

        Liked by 2 people

  2. Some really great captures here! “Splat” got me, but I’m learning to swallow my coffee before I read your post. Beautiful flag reflection. You know, of course, that squirrel pledging not to become dependent was conning you. They know what they’re doing when they assume that so-cute attitude. Many a peanut has been won that way. Thanks for the good start to the day.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. We almost spilled our cups when we saw her out there, flat out. How can you refuse something so cute? That area between the park and the apartment complex has several oak trees, so those squirrels have tons of food to eat. But, you’re right, they know how to turn on the cute. I can’t resist. I hope up and over the hump is an easy ride.

      Liked by 2 people

  3. Looks like some spider was 3-sheets to the wind when he made that web!!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Either that or he caught a big one ;-)

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Hadn’t thought of that!!

        Liked by 1 person

  4. Hawks are such beautiful creatures. And you caught a squirrel sploot! Nice.
    👍

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I am always amazed by how well they fly through a series of obstacles. I’ve read that they like to hunt in the woods. We weren’t in the woods, but that bird weaved between power lines, poles, trees and signs (not to mention us) to get to that branch. The squirrels sometimes do that on our railing. It was 93 degrees. I guess she just needed to cool off.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Hawks are amazing pilots. We love to watch them.
        Hot and humid here as well. If I could away with splooting, I would as well.
        😉

        Liked by 2 people

        1. Haha – be sure to get pictures.

          Liked by 2 people

  5. Haha! I would’ve said the same thing to you!

    Love the “almost” full moon, and although Rose of Sharon is beautiful from the front, this photo from the back is exceptional. It’s prettier from behind!

    The spider web is quite a creation, isn’t it! Too bad it can’t be repaired.

    Who could resist feeding the squirrels? Their antics are too darn cute. I think they must rehearse these poses behind your back.

    Terrific picture of Old Glory reflected in the fire pit cover.

    Hope you and the Editor can keep cool today.
    Ginger

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I may have to spread out on the floor like that squirrel, Ginger-another day in the 90s.

      I felt bad for the spider. That’s a lot of work. I’m guessing she doesn’t have insurance. It was a good day for getting pictures backlit by the rising sun.

      I see that woman fairly often. We say hi as we pass, but walkers don’t usually stop and chat. This was pretty amazing, and that hawk was big in the air.

      The squirrels all know how to turn on the charm. There mothers must teach them that early. “No, sit up straighter. Now fold your hands in. That’s better. Now you got it.”

      I didn’t think it had rained, so I don’t know where the water came from at the memorial. Maybe there’s a sprinkler set up for the new tree. I don’t know, but I loved getting that reflection.

      I hope you have a good day, Ginger. Try to stay cool.

      Like

  6. You’ve outdone yourself with the photos this time. I kept picking favorites but finally gave up. Splat is new to the peanut-begging brigade?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. That squirrel splats out like that on our railings, and in the grass, but not normally on the porch. In any case, it works, Liz. We say “awwwww” and we feed her.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I wouldn’t be able to say no to her either.

        Liked by 1 person

  7. Fabulous mix Dan. Love the spider web and the water drop most.
    So good to get the Kite. That’s the second kite story in a post I have read today

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Brian. I walked a little earlier than I had been, and it made quite a difference (at least for one day).

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Such great photos, Dan, especially the spider web and the back of the Rose of Sharon. I never take photos from the back and I really need to–this one is so pretty.
    The splatting squirrel–do they know how cute they are?! Did you know when dogs do that, it’s called splooting? Who knew?! Your squirrels know all the moves to get a peanut. I am so impressed.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Lois. Our dogs have done that, but I didn’t know it had a name. The squirrels often do that in the grass. This one will drape herself over our railing like a damp dishtowel. The result is the same – we feed them, so I think they know. I was out a little earlier than I had been lately, and the sun is rising a little later. I love getting pictures from behind when the sun is strong.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Kind of scary to buzzed by one of those birds. The least he could do afterward is to pose for a photo.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Agreed. I was hoping he’d slow down so I could get a picture of him in flight, but no dice.

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Your photos… 🥰Can’t pick a favorite. That hawk was delivering a message. 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    1. He seemed to be telling us to get out of his way, Cheryl. I’m glad yo like the pictures.

      Like

  11. How exciting to be buzzed by the Red-tail! I think the lady would be happy to know you got it! 😀📷

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I will let her know the next time we pass each other. The sun was too bright to see the pictures on my camera’s display. Exciting is a good word. Scary might also work. I’ve never seen them flying so low.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. It must have heard a vole or something low it was hoping to snag for breakfast.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. I’m glad I was too big ;-)

          Liked by 1 person

  12. I tried to get a picture of a bear a couple days ago, but he was too fast for me. (Thankfully he was not chasing me.) I am glad to hear you got the picture of that bird.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Bears are surprisingly fast for their size, Frank. Good he wasn’t moving toward you.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Maybe there’s urban renewal for spiders down on their luck. Terrific photos, as usual. Bravo on the hawk capture.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m sure her insurance won’t cover the damage.

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Your squirrel one-liners always make me smile Dan, especially the squirrel that promises not to be too dependent on you. His cousin told him to stand up like that to ensure you saw him and in begging stance, how can you not offer up a treat? Labor Day morning I got to the park where I walk weekdays and saw about 15 squirrels ahead, all clustered in one spot. I didn’t deem them the welcoming committee as they weren’t moving toward me like they usually do. As I approached I could see every squirrel had a large walnut piece in its paws and was happily nibbling away.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Someone get there ahead of you, or natural?

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I should have said that it was someone there ahead of me and they were generous. The squirrels were enjoying that treat. I sometimes give them whole walnuts in the colder weather. Right now at this park the Black Walnut trees drop nuts with a thick green rind. The squirrels find the ones that fell, then chew the rind and leave bits of green rind everywhere and eat the nut part.

        Like

  15. Terrific photos, Dan. Love that tattered web. I also like that squirrel spread out on the porch.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks John. I know I shouldn’t complain to you, but it has been hot here this week (low-mid 90s).

      Liked by 1 person

        1. I’m sorry to be complying about 92. You guys have had more than your share of 3-digit days.

          Liked by 1 person

          1. More than we like. Thanks, Dan

            Liked by 1 person

  16. Hi Dan – love the moon shot and the Rose of Sharon from the back – good combo together. Only one peanut – bet that request didn’t last long … splat – fun to see! And the flag disposal ‘bin’ … lovely selection – cheers Hilary

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Hilary. It takes them a long time to eat a peanut. If we toss out more than one, the blue jays take them. At home, that’s ok, but on my walk, I have a limited supply. I loved the opportunity to catch that blossom from behind.

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Having a hawk come that close is an amazing experience, Dan. My favorites from these photos is the tattered spider web and flag reflection. Great stuff!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Jan. The hawk was certainly an exciting experience. It’s good he knew where he was going and how to get there. The spider web was stunning. I love that reflection photo. I was there at just the right time, and those views only last a few minute.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. I love the composition of your photos. They are thought provoking. I can’t decide which is my favourite: reflection of the flag, the Rose of Sharon, or Splat!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I kinda like it when people can’t pick a favorite – I couldn’t either. The three you mention are all near the top for me.

      Liked by 1 person

  19. A beautiful series of photographs Dan. I love the Hawk and the flag. Recently I’ve had a huge Hawk hanging out here, resting on my back fence, he won’t let me get near enough to get a good pic. I have to assume there’s something near that he has his eye on. Perhaps a snake under my porch? Thanks for sharing this post, love it!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Holly. If it’s a snake under your porch, I’d say let him have it. They are amazing hunters. We worry about the critters in our yard, but there’s not much we can do.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. He can have him , though I don’t mind grade. Snakes bit we did have a rattler last year right in the wall path!

        Liked by 1 person

  20. As always….great captures!!

    Liked by 1 person

  21. Oh my – don’t fall for that just one peanut line! We have three hawks that circle the valley every evening. Quite a sight!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. These guys will try anything, Jan. I fall for all their lines. We see the hawk flying over, but not that often.

      Like

  22. Love the back view of the flower showing its intricacies and of course the flag 

    Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I was so happy to have the opportunity to see that blossom from behind. I love seeing the flag reflected in that fire pit cover.

      Like

  23. This is a photography bonanza. You did good!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Judy. I was one lucky walker.

      Liked by 1 person

  24. We have a nesting pair of red tail hawks that live in a nearby eucalyptus tree, and we love seeing them fly the thermals around our house. What a gorgeous sight they are! Lucky you for getting a low-level fly-by.

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  25. That happened to me years ago when I was walking by the ballfields in Inwood after feeding my nephew’s cat. Two cops were parked drinking coffee and the hawk flew right over us. They got out of the car and we just stood there stunned. No cameras present, unfortunately.
    Love the spiderweb. (K)

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  26. I love the spiderweb, Dan! It’s hard to capture, though. You did a good job. I have some spiderweb photos but not as good. I’ve seen photos with dripping dew on the spiderweb. Amazing.

    Like

  27. I know that feeling, Dan, and I’m glad you got a photo. I like all the shots in the first row, the spider web, and the flag reflection. Of course, the flattened squirrel is a good one as well. :-) It’s almost Thursday where you are, but happy midweek anyway.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Janet. I’m still catching up from our Internet problems.

      Liked by 1 person

  28. Hi Dan, it’s really hard to get good pictures of birds.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It’s rare that I get one in flight that I don’t have to toss, but I keep trying.

      Liked by 1 person

  29. Dan you have the most amazing local squirrels. They almost look like a combination of the red and grey varieties. I love the one sprawled out on your porch. Cool bird also and it’s funny when you connect with another person who also takes an interest.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. We’re not sure where the brownish influence comes from in some of the gray squirrels. We don’t have red squirrels around here (gray and black) but we do get a lot with rust colored bellies and tails. That woman and I pass each other often, but we don’t normally stop to chat.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. That’s brilliant Dan. I remember spotting a couple of kookaburras in the park which I had never seen before, two together. A woman passed and was looking at them also in awe and we ended up having a chat, both lost in the magic of nature. It’s a wonderful thing, connecting with strangers.

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  30. Thanks he is Hawk staring at you. Anita

    Liked by 1 person

    1. He flew by pretty fast. I guess I didn’t look appetizing.

      Liked by 1 person

  31. What an experience that must have been! Lovely photos. And don’t believe Cuzzin Squirrel… dependency happens right quick!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yeah, he’s become the official greeter at the part. Or perhaps he’s collecting the price of admission.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I believe that! And yeah, his price of admission!

        Liked by 1 person

  32. Oh, that hawk! That moon! That Rose o’ Sharon!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m glad you liked those. I had a hard time choosing a favorite this week.

      Like

  33. […] my way back, I heard some noise in the trees. There were several excited crows. I noticed that the hawk we saw last week was causing the concern. Crows don’t normally like having the hawk around, and one gave […]

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