The backyard hunter

It seems incredible that more than two weeks have passed since my last posting. This month is certainly moving with a cadence I've not experienced before. My father remains hospitalized - we're in our eighth week, or I should say he's endured that many weeks of very difficult circumstances. I'm inclined to start a blog just on the topic of medical mistakes made by health care providers in this time of managed care. But I won't get into that here.

I need to acknowledge, however, that helping to care for a critically ill family member shifts priorities and scrambles schedules and plans. My time is so limited that it's been hard to find time to chase birds. So I've expanded my appreciation for the birds that show up in my yard, and in direct proportion, the frustration (okay, anger) for the daily visits by the Sharp-shinned Hawk.

The hawk usually shows up before 9 a.m. and often manages to keep the sparrows, starlings and doves at bay until mid-afternoon. He does create excitement, though. He nabbed a starling one day this week (photo right) and allowed me to take photos while he held it on the ground. This whole predator/prey thing is marvelous... who do I cheer for? The hawk, for being an adept hunter... or the downy woodpecker who escapes? Do I hope the hawk gets a sparrow or starling and spares the doves? Why would one bird be more expendible than another? Do high population numbers make birds less important? I need an a philosopher to sort out these questions! Any thoughts?