Panting

I had already shared a beautiful moment with bald eagles, had just experienced a tiny miracle with a Cooper’s hawk, and was content with what nature had gifted me as I headed to my car. I thought to myself, “I’m 2-for-2 this morning. What are the chances I get a hawk, too?”

I had exited the forest and was walking along a popular path where I frequently see people with dogs. When I heard panting in my left ear as clear as day, I didn’t hesitate to step aside and look behind me. I was expecting a dog and its human, but instead found myself completely alone. Bewildered, I looked around and spotted this red-shouldered hawk glaring at me. It wasn’t visible from the direction I had walked as it was completely obscured by the tree it sat in. I had walked directly beneath its perch and likely wouldn’t have found it if not for the Universe’s whisper.