Advice from a Hawk

We saw some birds of prey at the BC Wildlife Park.  Here is some advice from a Hawk that was on a Bookmark I found in the Gift Shop. 

• Soar to new heights

• Be a keen observer

• Swoop down on opportunities

• Rise above it all

• Spread your wings

• Find a field that suits you

• The sky’s the limit!

Hawks are birds of prey found on all continents of the world except Antarctica. 

‘Hawk’ is a general term used to describe the entire group of diurnal predatory birds.  Diurnal means they are active by day.  While Hawks and Eagles are both birds of prey, they are not the same.  Eagles are much larger than hawks.  The wingspan of hawks is shorter than the eagle and the wings of hawks tend to be more rounded.  Hawks have short, broad, rounded tails and a stocky build.

Hawks have powerful feet and sharp talons to catch, hold, and rip apart prey.  Hawks eat a variety of things.  Their diet ranges from insects to birds and small mammals.  Hawks will readily feast on reptiles like snakes.  Hawks have been known to hunt and eat rattlesnakes.

Hawks are most afraid of owls, eagles and even crows.  Raccoons and snakes pose a problem for any nesting hawks as they like to steal the eggs. Hawks get attacked and can be eaten by bigger hawks, eagles, snakes, owls, raccoons, and foxes.  However, their position on the food chain keeps them out of reach for most predators.  Hawk eggs and younger hawks who haven’t developed to full strength can still be gobbled up. 

Hawks try to avoid humans.  If you broach their territory and get too close to their nest during nesting season, they will not hesitate to attack you.  They are highly protective of their eggs and young. 

Hawks don’t hunt at night.  Some like to wait until dusk before hunting for prey.  Hawks have excellent vision and are mostly seen during the day.

What can we learn from a Hawk?

• Soar to new heights - Keep learning and keep growing

• Be a keen observer - Look around you and discover new things

• Swoop down on opportunities - Take advantage of new opportunities

• Rise above it all - When life gets hard, keep positive and keep moving forward

• Spread your wings - Try new things

• Find a field that suits you - Follow your dreams and develop your strengths and talents

• The sky’s the limit! - Dream big and take Action!

# living life abundantly   # published author   # travelling tuesdays