Mostly, I am a pretty good photographer. Then sometimes on top of that I get lucky. I don’t have sophisticated professional equipment or those huge expensive telephoto lenses, and I don’t have the time to relentlessly pursue just the right shot. But, once in a while, things fall into place and I have something special to share.

Like this Red-shouldered Hawk. I’ve seen several around in the summer months, but this is the first time I’ve noticed one of these guys up close in the cold – all fluffed up and extra beautiful.

Rebekah and I were eating a late lunch, watching the variety of birds who enjoy the feeders in the back garden. Suddenly they all left, as if on cue. That’s when I noticed the hawk sitting in the tree just the other side of the fence. The sunlight, coming in from its low late-November trajectory, splashed a distinctive pattern through the leaves, illuminating the bird’s characteristic markings.

I made a mad dash for my camera before stealthily accessing the deck, then the garden, and then – as quietly as possible – out through the gate to get close enough for a good photograph.

The hawk obliged by remaining on his perch. But he was cautious, repeatedly shifting position to keep the sun directly in my eyes whenever he considered I was too close.

In my dreams, sometimes, I can fly.

In my life, in many ways, I know that I do.

– DEREK