Ever get that feeling at the back of your head that someone is following you too close? That’s what happened to Dad and me on a recent walk. If Chuck Billy was with us, I’m sure he would have assumed it was a UFO. I wondered if my squirrel friends were flying a kite on this windy day. Dad actually looked up, and was was surprised to see a hawk hovering just above his head!

It isn’t unusual for us to see hawks on our walks. Over the years we’ve seen one fly off with a used poop bag that was left in our driveway. Another time a hawk dropped a mouse on us while he was hurrying home with dinner. However, this time was different. Usually the hawks stay very high above us, and we must crane our necks to get a good look. This one was only a few feet over Dad’s head! So close that he could see all the details of the feathers, and trust me, Dad’s vision isn’t that good!

Why was our feathered friend taking such a close look? I think I’m to blame. My new goggles are the talk of the neighborhood. We’ve had neighbors stop to ask about them, and we’ve even had cars dangerously swerve in our direction because the driver was distracted looking at me. So why wouldn’t my hawk friend be any different? I guess folks staring is yet another thing I have to get use to while wearing goggles to protect my one eye. At least on the bright side, I’m getting a lot more comfortable and confident wearing them. Who knows? Maybe I’ll start a new fashion trend!

Chuck Billy’s Editorial Comment: To be honest the hawk wasn’t interested in Asa at all. Our neighbor’s chickens were out roaming free in their yard for the first time since winter, and the hawk was looking for dinner. But because Asa would be sad to think one of his chicken friends is now the main course, we’ll just let him think the hawk likes his goggles.