I live in an area that can best be defined as semi-urban. I've seen hawks before but it is such a tight area they swoop through before you can blink an eye.
Today a hawk attacked in our backyard with me and my dog not more than 20 feet away. It flew away quickly. My girls were very upset.
What surprised me was the balls on that hawk to attack with me and the dog present. I guess a hawk couldn't be all that successful with such a short time frame to kill. But, it will make me think twice before deciding to leave for just a few minutes. Too bad, my girls really love free ranging.
I have dogs that actively chase and might actually kill hawk if they catch it. Even with dogs present hawks like Coopers will occasionally stoop at members of free-ranging flocks but I have not had any losses since dogs in place and when chicks are involved an adult rooster close by. Chickens still get riled and that may be part of the defense they use.
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