Sacramento Dharma Center is set up to be a welcoming sanctuary—and nesting birds have taken us at our word and moved on in. Two nests occupied by fledglings have been spotted this season on the grounds.
The most curious case is that of the tiny hummingbird’s nest that was delicately hidden inside a loop of a rope, one of a pair of rough strands that holds up a wooden sounding board under our eaves. Once a week the board is loudly and rhythmically struck, propelling the board and the ropes back and forth. The saying, “Great is the Matter of Life and Death,” is painted on one side and is a traditional Zen reminder to practice and be awake each moment. Apparently, the pair of baby birds did not seem to mind being awakened each week by the racket or having their nest suddenly launched into motion. Of course, once their camouflaged nest was spotted, the weekly hammering was suspended.
Another nest holds significantly larger birds. Three fledging Cooper’s hawks live high up in an ash tree. They are growing fast and are just about ready to fly off. They stand on the edge of their nest and repeatedly test their wings. Already one of the siblings is able to make short flights to branches around their nest, almost urging the others to join in.
Join us for a hawk blessing ceremony July 3rd. Come at 7:30 for spotting and iced tea followed by the ceremony at 8pm. Bring your binoculars, spotting scopes, friends, and children!
