Are hawks more prevalent during certain times of the day?

[Count Orloff]

If I let my chickens free range, I'm usually out with them or at least somewhere in the yard. I always keep a scoped .22 Magnum long rifle in case I see a hawk perching around their coop or on my grape arbor. That being said, do hawks hunt more during certain times of the day?

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

I always keep a scoped .22 Magnum long rifle in case I see a hawk perching around their coop or on my grape arbor

Hawks are active all day long, and shooting them or even shooting AT them is illegal​

 

[tomingreeneco]

SSS - Shoot, shovel and shut up!

 

[Count Orloff]

Quote:
Hawks are active all day long, and shooting them or even shooting AT them is illegal

Research the California Delta Smelt and get back to me on how well that is working out for those farmers and their private property.

 

[ranchhand]

Careful what you post, the entire world can read anything you post. I have it on good authority that US Fish & Wildlife does keep an eye on many forums, including this one, noting violations of Federal law.

To the OP: I see more activity late in the day and early in the morning. But it probably depends upon the type of hawk.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote:
X2 for everything stated

 

[speckledhen]

You need to be aware that even if you don't advertise your illegal activity, some hawks are equipped with tracking chips to monitor migration patterns, etc. You could have authorities at your doorstep before you know it.

We are having major hawk activity today. I'd guess it's mating season and they're everywhere, calling from every direction.


From the sticky at the top of this section:

*It is the responsibility of the person with the predator to determine the legalities of what they do and that person will take ultimate responsibility. BYC does not condone illegal acts.​

 

[mistymeadowchicks]

In answer to the original question, I had (so far my only) hawk attack at 8:30 AM one morning, but have run them off from circling around lunch & have chased them from trees late afternoon. They don't seem to have a preference for time of day, except I've yet to see them at dusk, when the owls show up. They seem to prefer blue skies w/ still air; not around as much on windy or overcast days, or if the crows are hanging out. Also seem a lot more obvious in the winter (when their other food sources are gone?) When they have shown up & the the crows are around, crows are raising cane, often chasing them, whereas the smaller birds getting eerily quiet (like silent spring quiet). As far as shooting, yes, they are federally protected; however, per a park service friend, they don't like a lot of noise--tend to leave if you decide to target practice (of course, not at them '

') w/ something noisy. The hawks around here have started staying near the neighbor's fields or my far pastures--I've seen them circling in the distance. And that's ok, I don't mind them keeping the mice, rabbit & groundhog populations in check-- I just prefer to determine my flock size. As of lately, they're avoiding the house, yard & woods where chickens hang out--something to do with the 410 & some exploding branches? '

' Don't let your guard down though, they are persistent, brutal little %#&#'s & I'm afraid will need occasional reminders!!

 

[centrarchid]

I have been trying to get at this problem my self and spent many hours watching hawk activities associated with their reproduction. Most of what I know based on activities of adult hawks bringing food back to nest area to feed brood during spring and summer. The two species I consider of interest are Coopers and Red-tailed hawks. For me other species not a significant threats.

Coopers target birds mostly, small enough to carry in flight without dismembering. Therefore smaller chicks (when poultry targeted) most frequent target. My observations are mostly of juvenile songbirds, often just fledged, being brought in during morning through about 10:00 AM with hunting largely stopped until 2:00 PM when hunting resumes. My greatest concern with this species during fall migration where they late hatch juveniles.

Red-tails by and large consume feild dwelling rodents (mostly voles) that are taken all day long. When birds taken they are usually fledgling song birds. Red-tails for me also not a time of day problem but rather seasonal. They come calling during winter when foilage dropped from cover sites and poultry prone to drift away for cover. Magic hour for red-tails during middle of day when poultry roam and hawk. I am also less likely to be present. I am a major deterrent. When chickens give hawk alarm I investigate and will intervene or chase hawk of kill if my poultry.