Mindful photography walks or being present in the moment August 2025 (6)

A couple of years ago I started changing the way I photographed, I was no longer arriving on site and clicking away. I found that if I slowly walked the grounds of the locations, I started seeing so much more, it was more than just birds in flight and camera settings set for fast moving subjects. I challenged myself to go to my favorite locations without my DSLR and slowly walk around the areas, I was not just seeing birds or animals, I was seeing everything around me.

Now when I arrive at a location, I will stand quietly and listen to what I hear, I will let those sounds direct me or I will close my eyes and slowly open and see what catches my attention. It may be birds, flowers, insects or even a path to walk. I will slowly proceed, being present in the moment, taking time to create images, which is allowing the viewer to see what I saw.

When I do find a subject, I will spend time studying it, what are the best angles, where is the light coming from, what would be a different, interesting image to present. Do I need to get down on the ground and look up or is the side or even the top a better angle and view?

The following images are from a short walk (turned into an extended stay) out at the Pawtucket Farm Wildlife Sanctuary. A “Queen Anne’s Lace” flower (aka wild carrot) caught my attention, I photograph it from many angles and in the end, I settle on these three creations.

The First image is what caught my attention, standing all alone in the field green.

As I was walking, this Queen Anne's Lace called to me, standing tall in the green field

The Second image, a view from the top. I imagined the ant was doing a daily clean and prune.

A view from top, I was not the only one interested.

The Third image, from the bottom looking up. It first reminded me of a Tokyo Train station map showing all the potential connecting trains and stations and if you have ever been there, I think you would agree.

Getting low and looking up

However, this image speaks to me about nature and all the beauty that is there and if you slow down and become present in the moment you will see it.

Thank you for reading, feel free to leave comments, your own experiences, or suggestions!

Pawtucket Farm Wildlife Scanctuary 2025 Red-Tail Hawks

Looking into the farm

My story starts near the end of February while I was performing a land steward walk through the newly opened (to the public) Pawtucket Farm Wildlife Sanctuary which is over twenty acres of natural nature, home to various flora and fauna. While I was walking in, I was greeted by Killdeer that were busy courting, mating, and making homes in the lower portion of the sanctuary while further up I was met by Bluebirds whose colors were glistening when lit by the sun.

Killdeer in the lower section of Pawtucket Farm Wildlife Scanctuary courting and preparing nests.

Killdeer in the lower section of Pawtucket Farm Wildlife Scanctuary courting and preparing nests.

Mr. Bluebird, midway greeting

This way sir

When I had reached the back part and standing between the tall pines, I saw a Red-tail hawk gracefully flying between the trees, it was a moment that I still remember as it was just the hawk and me. During one of its pass overs it appeared as if it was just hovering directly over me, not moving but just looking down.

First Red-tail Hawk sighting - slowing floating by, making eye contact.

I am not sure why, but I felt a connection and knew I needed to know more. What was keeping the hawk in this area, was it a good hunting location, could it have a mate, was there a nest nearby? I would find the answer to these questions and more over the next few months but on this day, I felt a connection to this hawk and as I turned to leave the hawk circled back and landed on nearby snag and watched me walk out.

The Hawk circled back to this snag, watching me walk out.

A few days later we are now in March, and I had confirmed that the hawk I saw was not alone and he had a mate, and they had an active nest. They would land on a nearby snag and then fly to their nest. Having confirm the nest and it being active, I turned to “Cornell Lab | Birds of the World” an infinite wealth of knowledge to learn more about Red-tail Hawks, especially courting and nesting behavior.

Throughout the months of March and April I would visit Pawtucket Farm Wildlife Sanctuary four to five times a week. I would set up in my Red-tail watch spot and brave the weather conditions as it was a wet spring, with many cloudy and rainy days, not the best for photography but each time I was provided with at least one or two opportunities to create an image of the Hawks or the other wildlife that were watching me. My watch spot was surrounded by small and tall pines that various birds were flying to. I believe by my continuous presence they did not see me as a threat; and this allowed for some nice close-ups of Bluebirds, Mockingbirds and Song sparrows.

Watchspot-1 - Follow the lens up to the nest.

Backside watch spot

My typical rain gear and my expensive spare of the moment camera rain jacket.

As I am watching the Hawks the songbirds were watching me - Bluebird

Songbirds were watching me - Mockingbird

Songbirds were watching me - Song Sparrow

It was around the middle of April that one of the Hawks (mainly the female) started staying on the nest, while the other Hawk would either be flying about protecting their area or in search of food. Based on this new behavior I assumed that they now had eggs and with an incubation period between 25 to 30 days I might see hatchlings by the middle of May.

Male on the nest - One Eye

Watching the nest

Defending her Territory

Bringing food to his mate

Not exactly sure of when the eggs were laid, I kept my frequent visit to the farm and enjoyed learning more about the Hawks, whether it be from my observations or studying from “Birds of the World” and online ornithological platform that is run by Cornell Lab. With today’s technology I was able to retrieve real-time information, so when I had one of those “I wonder, or what does that call or flying pattern mean” I could retrieve information real time.

A few of those moments:

1.      I was worried one day as neither Hawk was, nor had they been sitting on the nest for a long time (over two hours) is this expected? Pull out the mobile and ask the question, the answer was, it is not uncommon for both Hawks to leave the nest unattended to go hunting and foraging for food or protecting their territory for extended periods of time.

2.      Territory, what do they claim as theirs? This can be dependent on terrain and food availability but can range from a half mile up to two miles, which they will defend, especially during the breeding season.

3.      How fast can a Red-tailed hawk fly? Their typical flight speed is 20 to 40 mph. When they dive to capture prey, they can reach speeds up to 120 mph.

4.      Another interesting observation was on a very windy day, and at times strong gusts causing the tall pines to sway back in forth. However, the Hawks remained motionless, standing still in the air. I wondered, how can they do that? They can stand still in the air by using a technique called “kiting,” where they face into a strong wing and hold steady by adjusting their wings and tail feathers. They will also apply this technique when they are hunting, “kiting” above a field, remaining almost motionless while they search the ground below.

Kiting above me

Each visit was an opportunity to create images and learn something new about the Hawks and one new thing was “mobbing.” This is when (in my case) Blue Jays and Mockingbirds would harass the red-tailed hawks, in a behavior known as "mobbing." This behavior is seen when a mockingbird and or Blue Jay perceives a hawk as a threat to its nest or young. It involves the birds flying around the hawk, making noise, and sometimes even pecking at it. Although the birds would fly close to the Hawks and even peck their back feathers the Hawks seem to ignore them or at most would just scream.

Mockingbird "mobbing" the Red-tail

Bluejay "mobbing" the Red-tail

May has come and the weather continues to be my nemesis with the first two weeks there being more rain and clouds than the sun. The Hawks are staying on the nest more and both, whether on the nest or not, are staying close by. They would occasionally fly close overhead, give a short cry, saying we see you and then land on a nearby snag, or on top of the pines surrounding their nest watching me and their nest.

Parents watching their nest and me from the tree tops

Watching the nest and keeping an eye on me

Checking the nest and watching me

Another interesting “I wonder moment” came after I took the picture below, which I called “stealth mode.” I was looking at the talons and “wondered” what their grip strength is? It turns out, it is strong, in that the estimated grip strength is two hundred pounds per square inch. That is impressive, especially if you compare that to the average human grip which is between 20 to 30 pounds per square inch.

Stealth mode - look at those Talons

On Monday May 12^th the weather finally gave me a break, and I was able to video the Hawks who were busy going to and from their nest. If my prediction is close, I hope to see the hatchlings soon.

Parents returning and leaving from the nest

Friday, May 16^th, we have a hatchling, this is the first confirmed image I was able to create, and the hatchling looks to be older, not just a newborn. Based on my research, feathers, and movement, I would guess the hatchling is 7 to 10 days old. I see no other hatchlings or signs that there is more than one.

First confirmed sighting, this would be the only hatchling.

Over the next two weeks the parents were busy flying to the nest with food and then back out looking for more. Even when they were not on the nest one of them always remained close by. On more than a few occasions at least one if not both would fly close to me, 10 to 15 feet overhead and give a cry, one landing on a nearby snag and the other taking an indirect flight to the nest.

Food delivery service

As one went to the nest, the other would fly overhead and land on this nearby snag

Saturday, May 24 started out partly cloudy but quickly turned to a solid gray cloud cover with light rain however, it was a wonderful day. The hatchling was busy moving about in and on the rim of the nest allowing me to create images. Then I was given an opportunity to create an image of both parents together on the snag. This felt like a special moment and one I had been waiting for; they had accepted my presence and were posing for me. Feeling accepted, I needed to give them names Shou & Sora.

The male – “Shou” – To Fly, to soar high, to achieve.

The female – “Sora” – Sky, Freedom

Shou departed the snag, and just before Sora flew, she reached out stretching to the sky.

The nestling moving about the nest

The nestling watching me watching it (I didn't know its gender)

Shou on top, Sora on the bottom

Sora reaching to the sky

Over the next two and a half weeks I would visit the Hawks ten more times. The hatchling, now a nestling, was growing fast and the parents were spending less time at the nest but one would always be nearby. Sometimes I would be greeted on my walk in by either Shou or Sora with a quick fly over and call and a few times while on site I would be treated to aerial acrobatics. Although I took thousands of pictures there were days I just watched as both Shou and Sora would take to the sky flying side by side, ascending extremely high into sky circling each other. Then Sora would dive with Shou slowly coming down with his legs extended to meet her.

As mentioned, the nestling was growing fast, and when not sleeping it would be calling out to the parents, (saying, “I’m hungry”) and was busy moving all around the nest. When the parents returned, they would take a quick inventory, making sure all was okay and then quickly departed.

The nestling is growing and quite active in the nest

The nestling calling for food

Nestling moving about

Sora checking on her nestling

The nestling

Friday, May 30^th - I wasn’t sure how this day was going to be as it, again, started out cloudy but shortly after arriving the sun broke through allowing me to create a video and a few photos, one which made every visit before and the few remaining I would make worth every minute, including the bug bites, rain and scary Turkey encounters.

Upon arrival I could see the Nestling moving about, being buzzed or mobbed by a Mockingbird but after watching closely it was Sora (out of view) being mobbed. I moved to the other side, but Sora had now moved above the nest and was looking down at her nestling. With the weather still unsettled I decided to leave and as I was walking down the trail, the sun came out and both parents flew overhead through the trees and landed on their favorite snag not more than forty feet from me. I could not have asked for a better pose, Shou and Sora perched side by side looking at me, it was a great moment and one I will remember always. Shortly after the pose they both launched with Sora giving a cry. I left for the day.

Mockingbird mobbing the nest/parent

Shou & Sora posing for me, I felt they accepted me and were saying hi

Shortly after the pose they both launched with Sora giving a cry

Monday, June 2^nd, and Thursday June 5^th visits were short as I was checking on the nestling, suspecting it was about to graduate to fledgling. I also had a surprise visitor that came from behind and made me jump. One of the biggest wild Turkeys I have encountered and knowing they can have a big attitude I was a little nervous, but he gave me a long stare and slowly walked away.

The nestling resting and being at peace in the nest

Growing fast and getting close to fledging

The nestling was calling for it's parents

Tom Turkey - Gave me a suprise but slowly walked away

Sunday, June 8, 2025 - Graduation Day, Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust (https://lowelllandtrust.org/ hosted a bird walk which I attended and during the walk the Hawks were quiet, but we saw a lot of other birds and a Coopers Hawk. After the walk, Chris Sargent (Volunteer Land Steward) and I took a walk back out to the Red-tail Hawks nest and of course I do not have my camera with me, only my binoculars so I am glad Chris was with me. We both saw the nestling become a fledgling as it hopped from the nest to a branch just above, Graduation Day.

Monday, June 9^th – I went to check on the now fledging and it was about 15 to 20 feet above the nest perched out on a branch. I am not sure if it was enjoying the view or just holding on figuring out the next move. Not too far away both parents were on their favorite snag and occasionally calling out to their fledgling, trying to encourage it to take flight. I did not stay long as the clouds, wind and rain were starting to pick up, but I left happily knowing my journey with the Hawks was nearing the end for me at least, theirs was just beginning. However, as I turned to leave and looked to my left, another story was waiting, Bluebird’s nesting.

The nestling is now a fledgling, perched above the nest

A close up of the fledgling

Bluebird on small pine top, ready to head to his nest

Bluebird into his nest

Wednesday, June 11^th one final check. I walked back out to my watch spot, the nest was still empty, and the fledging was not to be seen, but I am sure it was nearby as I could hear the parents calling and they were close to me. As I was walking out Sora flew over to their snag and I would like to think she was waving goodbye, I turned to her and thanked her for all the joy they had given me and how my journey with them open my eyes to more of the natural world around us. During this experience, I learned more about mindfulness, being present in the moment and what a difference it can make.

Sora waving goodbye

As I got close to my car I was allowed to create two final images as Shou and Sora soar high above and then a final flyover.

Shou and Sora flying high above as I neared my car

My final image - Shou coming down to meet Sora

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Spring – Concord River Greenway Park or a Serendipitous moment March 2025 - (4)

Spring continues and as I mentioned in an earlier post I will be visiting various urban conservations areas within the city of Lowell. Not only did I visit another location, but I was rewarded with a special let us call it a serendipitous moment. ….

Last Wednesday I attended a Conservation Presentation sponsored by Lowell Loves Wildlife, Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust and the Pollard Memorial Library. The guest speaker was “Tina Morris,” and she was to speak about her book “Return to the Sky.”  To quote from the cover of her book

“The Surprising Story of How One Woman and Seven Eaglets

Helped Restore the Bald Eagle”

The presentation was extremely interesting and informative. I felt like I had met a superhero, well in fact I did. Without the work of Tina, I think I can say we would not be able to look up in our Northeastern sky’s and see our National Bird soaring above.

It was now Thursday morning, and I headed out for an early morning spring walk along the Concord River Greenway Park within the city of Lowell. The spring flowers and birds are slowly returning, and I was greeted by a few along my walk. The river is high and fast, and, in a few weeks, you will see white water rafting events along this river, but today it was quiet. I enjoyed my walk taking cellphone pictures and crafting scenes with my camera.

Then that serendipitous moment happened, as I was looking up, soaring gracefully into my view was a Bald Eagle. The Eagle was floating on the wind, circling above me, allowing me to take pictures before it continued its flight.

Later that day I mentioned this moment to a member of Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust, and she said, I wonder, could this Eagle be related to one of Tina’s eaglets? I think so.

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