[BluH2o]

A few years ago I was out in the pre-dawn darkness doing my two mile jog/power walk. In order to increase my visibility to passing motorists (no sidewalks) I wear a reflective vest and a white hat or toque depending on the season. It was colder weather so I was wearing my white toque. I had what I think was a large owl, not a hawk, swoop down on me from behind and at the last moment pull up and fly past me just a foot or so above my head. Since it was a stealth attack by the owl I didn't hear a thing and was only aware of it as it swept past in front of me. Convinced the owl saw the white wool cap, thought it was breakfast, only to discover it was attached to something larger and way to heavy to fly off with ... thus the last second decision to abort.

[Pontiac]

Convinced the owl saw the white wool cap, thought it was breakfast,

I doubt an owl would mistake you for breakfast in any light, especially since they hunt as much by sound as sight.

More likely it was being territorial and trying to drive you off.

I have had owls do the same to me. Why this behavior is peculiar to owls I couldn’t say. Perhaps it is the urban environment.