I was bending over pulling weeds when I saw his shadow on the ground as he flew past me. I didn’t think it was a crow because the crows in my neighborhood would never get so close. I thought maybe it was one of the doves that seem to be getting dangerously comfortable around people over the past few years, but I never expected to stand up and see a hawk staring back at me.

He paused just long enough for me to get out my phone and snap two pictures. Then, he flew away.