haiku for the king of our backyard sky:
from on high: the cry
this kingdom is mine mine mine
hear ye, hear ye, all
Our resident red-shouldered hawk was staking its territorial claim on Monday morning. If you look closely at the large tree branches in the center of the video frame, you will find it perched above the “play” arrow. The cry starts at 14-15 seconds in.
I think of hawk symbolism. I will include it below, because it’s fascinating, especially since I am sharing this with a community of writers taking on a daily challenge; I marvel at how much seems especially applicable. I will say that for me the hawk’s wild cry evokes something within that I cannot quite name. A longing, I think. Maybe to rise above the world with clearer vision. Maybe to have been an ancient warrior along green woodland paths, following the king’s bird. Maybe to respond, living thing to living thing, in natural communion as apparently existed before Genesis 9, when animals began to fear people. And, I daresay, likewise. Loss unimaginable.
As I wrote in yesterday’s post: I watch birds and am awed by the way they know and “read” so much. Instinct, you say. Well, of course. And extraordinary intelligence, I must add.
Here’s what artificial intelligence has to offer on red-shouldered hawk symbolism (do a search; this comes up with links):
The red-shouldered hawk can symbolize a variety of things, including guidance, strength, and the ability to see the bigger picture.
Guidance
- A red-shouldered hawk can be a messenger from the universe, bringing support and insight
- It can be a sign that you should trust yourself and your inner wisdom
- It can be a reminder to explore the unknown and take risks to reach your goals
Strength
- Hawks can represent strength, focus, and poise
- They can show you your hidden abilities to lead yourself and others
Seeing the bigger picture
- Hawks can help you see the bigger picture and avoid getting caught up in small details
- They can help you elevate your perspective and activate your inner sight
Connection to the spirit realm
- A red-shouldered hawk can signify a powerful connection to the spirit realm
Vision
- The Cherokee believed that red-shouldered hawks are messengers of vision
- They believed that when you see a red-shouldered hawk, whatever you were thinking about at the time is happening around you
Across cultures, hawks have been used to convey teachings and wisdom.
—There you have it, writer-friends. Hearken unto the calling.
Meanwhile, I know that as I stand watching this magnificent bird, it is watching me, with considerably less awe. I am simply on its turf.
*******
with thanks to Two Writing Teachers for the annual March Slice of Life Story Challenge.
This is my ninth year participating alongside fellow teacher-writers.
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lit bits and pieces 
That was good and it is a joy to see birds flying in the infinite sky. It will be interesting to read more about hawks .
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Thank you. I could spend entire days watching birds and not tire of it. I have a great video of a red-shouldered hawk perched on the side of tree in a park where my husband and I walk. Breathtakingly beautiful bird.
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I also love to watch birds and find such comfort in their presence. It’s fascinating to think about all the significance and meaning we attribute to them. Last week as I drove home from work, a red-tailed hawk suddenly flew right in front of my car. In the bleak midwinter, it was so vibrant and vital and it’s tail was so visibly, remarkably red, that I laughed aloud, both startled and delighted. I still see that brief moment in my mind. A gift, like this slice.
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“I find such comfort in their presence” – that’s exactly it, Molly. I have had a red-tailed hawk fly in front of my car like that, too – safely landing on the other side, thank heaven. Stunningly beautiful birds. Thank you for the gift of your words!
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Fran, I am in awe every time I see a hawk. I think of you when I do, and of course I know it’s my mom saying hello – – she was a bird lover after her mother, after her mother. And so it continues. I would love the translation of the tweets and squawks and cries when I hear birds – – what does one say, then the other in response? I haven’t done any bird counts lately and missed Global Big Day a couple of weekends ago. Too much happening, but I sure feel the peace when I sit and watch. Thank you for sharing your regal resident hawk. He is a beauty! (or she?)
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Thanks Fran. I love the sound made by birds of prey too. I agree with you that there is a sense of longing and maybe melancholy? As you say, ‘loss unimaginable’. Thanks for the video and all the insights into the hawk and its symbolism.
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Birds have much to teach us…sometimes I think I could write a whole book about bird experiences, and I what I have learned. The cry of raptors – stirring longing and maybe melancholy – I want to ponder why it has this particular effect on us. Thank you as always for your thoughts, Celia.
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Loved this post because I am OBSESSED with my red-shouldered hawk pair! I see and hear them daily–often many times a day–and it is one of the great joys of my life. This morning as I was out feeding the birds, he began to cry and it was as close as I’ve ever heard him. I looked up and he was in the tree right beside our driveway. I froze and got to enjoy his magnificent call and beauty for several minutes. Every so often, he hunts at our feeders, but I do not begrudge him a single bird! Thanks so much for all of the new-to-me information about the hawk’s meaning and symbolism.
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I can relate to being obsessed with the red-shouldered hawk, Elisabeth! They are stunning. “King of the sky” is a phrase that came to my mind, for they are absolutely majestic. I have a great, close-up video of a red-shouldered hawk perched on the side of a tree near a dam where my husband and I walk. It flew from behind us and landed there, watching us walk without the least concern; maybe with a bit of curiosity? I feel I overuse the word “awe” – but that is what my husband and I felt. We stopped and spoke in awed whispers. We were in the presence of greatness.
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i loved reading about the symbolism of the red hawk. First I listened and read the haiku thinking that was the entire post, then I scrolled down and found more interesting details. Thank you!
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Thank you, Patricia – so glad you enjoyed our hawk and reading about the symbolism. Fascinating, isn’t it?
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I love to watch the flight of the hawks, which we have near the bayou and out in the cane fields. Once a hawk made a nest in a tree at my mother-in-law’s house. She was excited about it until Mama Hawk landed on her head. They are protective as any other species. Watch your head!
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Whoa, Margaret – a hawk on the head is TOO MUCH closeness! I will wear my wide-brimmed sunhat – I usually do throughout spring and summer. Thank you for this cautionary tale!
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Fran, there is something inspiring hawks. Hearing them. Seeing them gliding on thermals seemingly no care in the world. They instill a longing to be free and soar. I enjoyed all of the symbolism you included.
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Bob, I agree with your take on the hawk – that longing to be free. They absolutely inspire. Thank you for your thoughts, as always.
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“as I stand watching this magnificent bird, it is watching me, with considerably less awe. I am simply on its turf.” This beautiful line speaks of your humility in the face of this magnificent bird. I loved learning the symbolism and will remember it when I spot this lovely creature.
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Thank you, Rita – I do feel humbled by the majestic hawk. To that end: I must write about eagles soon 🙂
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Fran, I learn so much about the birds from you. I love that closing, how the hawk looks on you with less awe because you are on its turf. Thanks for the writer challenge to rise to the calling.
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Thank you, Denise – you are one who always encourages me to keep stretching my wings and aim skyward. I so appreciate you.
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Fran,
I thought about the memoir H is for Hawk as I read your post. This quote is prescient in this moment: “The hawk was everything I wanted to be: solitary, self-possessed, free from grief, and numb to the hurts of human life.” Listening to a hawk this morning via your video has me wanting to return to that book. I think it and nature have much to offer in this er.
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Such a great book! Helen MacDonald reads the audiobook herself, and it is amazing.
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Glenda, I haven’t read H is for Hawk, and now it is a must. That quote perfectly encapsulates the pull of the hawk. Yes – nature has so much to offer, so much of what we need to feel whole. Thank you.
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I hate to admit I’m not a bird person, but I always stand in awe when I spot a hawk. This post was equally informative, inspiring, and enjoyable to read.
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No worries about not being a bird person, Vivian! I so appreciate that you can nevertheless be awed in the presence of a hawk. Thank you for your gracious words.
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I love your title! It is as strong and magisterial as the bird itself.
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Ah, I love that word, “magisterial” – it is perfect for the hawk. Thank you 🙂
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Thank you for the audio! I love learning more about the natural world. As I read about the symbolism, I was interested in how it matched with my own intuitive notions.
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The natural world has so much to offer us, in the way of healing and wholeness…so glad you enjoyed the symbolism. I agree – much of it aligns with our intuitive notions. Well-said! Thank you for your insightful words.
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We hear that call often in our neighborhood, too, but I never thought to look up the symbolism behind the beautiful bird. I needed the reminder to step back and view the bigger picture right about now, instead of getting mired in the details.
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I enjoy symbolism, Chris – I find such compelling connections there to ponder. Makes me more observant of real-world motifs. This is one of the reasons I love your posts; you’re a natural at this!
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I always learn something new in your bird posts, Fran. The “ability to see the bigger picture” is not only a quality the hawk possesses, but also a gift you share in your reflections.
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