We have a large Silk Oak tree in our backyard that has gone condo.  There are various birds co-existing in there raising their new hatchlings to become strong strapping birds.  One of the residents is a family of Mockingbirds.  I think most people know that Mockingbirds are not to be trifled with. 

There is also in residence in the home behind us a family of hawks.  We have spent many afternoons watching the hawks ride the thermals and pester the neighborhood birds and most likely rabbits, mice and what ever meets their fancy.  They are, afterall, hawks, the top of the food chain in the bird world.

Does anyone see where this is going?  

After lunch my 8 yo came running in to say there is a hawk at the top of our silk oak tree and the Mockingbirds are darting at it squawking.  We've seen this before and I was able to grab my camera to catch our own Wild Kingdom on film.  When I got out there it was evident the hawk had had enough poking and took off.  I was able to snap this awesome shot just as he took flight.  I love how you can see his feathers spread apart and curled just so to get the lift he (maybe she?  I'm not trying to be sexist. :-) ) needed to fly.

If you know anything about Mockingbirds you'll know that the hawk leaving wasn't nearly enough.  No, the Mockingbird chased the hawk far, far away swiping at it every chance he (again, maybe it's she ;-) ) got.

I'm sure there's some lesson we can take from this.  Something like "Just because you're smaller doesn't mean you can't beat the giant". Or maybe,  "Don't give up, even when the odds seem to be against you".  Maybe it's something as simple as "Mockingbirds are just big ol' bullies". 

Whatever the lesson is, if there is one, it's always fun to watch God's creation in action.