Harris's Hawk and the Movie "Hamnet"

Harris's Hawk and the Movie "Hamnet"

From Laura Erickson's For the Birds by Laura Erickson

April 7, 2026 · 7 min

About this episode

Laura discusses the portrayal of a Harris's Hawk in the movie adaptation of 'Hamnet' and its divergence from the original literary description.

Agnes's bird in the movie and book, *Hamnet* is specified to be a falcon--a kestrel. But the falcon was portrayed in the movie by a completely unrelated bird from an entirely different continent--a Harris's Hawk. Laura didn't mind this at all--indeed, there were excellent reasons for using this "incorrect" species. Laura is in Colorado right now--this was recorded in her hotel room. She doesn't know if there will be more new programs this week--after today this is going to be one intense birding trip.

People in this episode

Host: Laura

Topics covered

  • birds
  • film
  • literature
  • nature
  • wildlife

Keywords

  • Harris's Hawk
  • Hamnet
  • kestrel
  • birding trip
  • Colorado

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Harris's Hawk, Hamnet

Places: Colorado

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