The Hawk

Sean L. McLane

©1989

lowly she circled, searching for her prey.  She had been holding her pattern for ten minutes, but hadn't seen anything yet.  Suddenly she spotted movement off in the distance.  She broke from her pattern and began swooping toward the opening.  As she approached, a young male, who had been circling as well, angled in and snatched the morsel.  Silently cursing to herself, she pulled up and resumed her flight pattern.  In the past, while she was in her prime, the prey would have been hers.  Once again, she spotted motion, this time closer.  Determined to not let this one get away, she banked and dove for her target.  Another younger female also charged.  Experienced proved to be the better however, as the elder female swooped for the kill, finally obtaining a good parking space.