Beautiful but deadly(to my chickens)

[COgirl]

This guy hung around my place for a couple days looking for a free meal. My Aussies did the most wonderful job of protecting their flock, I was so proud watching them work. DH had a friend at one time that worked with raptors, DH said he thought this was a Frugenious(sp?) Hawk, they are actually a eagle. I can tell you he was a large bird and beautiful. He certainly wasn't afraid of me when I approached the pole he was on to snap the pic, looked rather annoyed actually. Kept my chickies close. The few times he flew across the property the Aussies were right on him, but I still kept the chickens close in with me. I can certainly appreciate his beauty. Glad he deceided to move on though.

 

[Zenbirder]

The interaction between dogs and hawks is interesting! I have seen my hound plow right through and scatter the chickens on his way chasing off a hawk, it is an instinct I think. I even have some of the local hawks named, I can tell them apart and some don't migrate. If they just stick to the local bunnies I would be greatful...

 

[birdnutz]

They are very big and beautiful. Went to the raptor rescue in Casper and saw one. I could see where they'd have no trouble with a chicken. She told me that they're just a hair from being listed as endangered. It's amazing that you were honored with a visit. Probably a little worrisome also.LOL

 

[SpottedCrow]

I had a juvenile RedTail wanting chicken for brunch instead of his/her usual racing pigeon.
I heard a strange sound, sort of a gobble from Obelisk and I saw a brown bird land on top of the back fence...I was like

what's Penny doing up there, then I realized it wasn't Penny unless she took steroids.

I took off and the hawk took off and went through the neighbour's yard and almost took off the top of DH's head...too close for comfort but there was no way I could get them in the house. They stayed under the snowball bush for the whole day.

They're okay though...They were just scared, like their mom...