Common Birds of Prey That Cause Issues

[Alexandra33]

Oh, dear, certainly hope I'm not the one supposedly providing false information. So sorry if any of these identifications were incorrect. Still positive about the Northern Harrier, though, due to white band at the base of an unfanned, long tail, and flattened owl-esque face. There's little mistaking a Red-Tailed. Alleged Sharp-shinned resembled a juvenile Cooper's, but miniaturized. Not significantly larger than my smallest Silkie hen, whom it was struggling to finish off before I intervened.

~Alex

 

[centrarchid]

Oh, dear, certainly hope I'm not the one supposedly providing false information. So sorry if any of these identifications were incorrect. Still positive about the Northern Harrier, though, due to white band at the base of an unfanned, long tail, and flattened owl-esque face. There's little mistaking a Red-Tailed. Alleged Sharp-shinned resembled a juvenile Cooper's, but miniaturized. Not significantly larger than my smallest Silkie hen, whom it was struggling to finish off before I intervened.

~Alex

Yep, show pictures.

Adult Coopers Hawks do have a white display patch very much like the Northern Harrier. Coopers also appear to have a long tail, proportionally longer than most hawks. Coopers will go after prey in a structured setting while the Northern Harrier is going to restrict hunting to open areas well away from trees and buildings.

 

[Alexandra33]

Yep, show pictures.

Adult Coopers Hawks do have a white display patch very much like the Northern Harrier. Coopers also appear to have a long tail, proportionally longer than most hawks. Coopers will go after prey in a structured setting while the Northern Harrier is going to restrict hunting to open areas well away from trees and buildings.

I will certainly take pictures next time one decides to show up.

Hmmm....definitely wasn't an adult Cooper's. No solid gray back and red/white barred underparts, or red eyes. Too large, also. Immature is a closer match as far as coloration, but still doesn't completely fit the bill.

This accurately demonstrates what I've been spotting. As of now, I haven't yet caught a male pursuing the flock, though they frequent the immediate region.

It might be worth mentioning that this area is dominated by open farmland. Last year, soybeans (never encounter Harrier issues during corn years) were planted in surrounding fields, which is where most of my free-ranging birds ended up becoming dinner. Only once did I find remains just over the property line. Perhaps our geographic location makes a difference here?

~Alex

 

[ColtHandorf]

I'm located near a large body of water, wetlands, several ponds, pastures, and forests, which makes for a variable habitat that appeals to a lot of different birds. Just this morning before work I saw the snow geese, meadowlarks, kestrel, several species of sparrows, phoebes, cardinals, and white-winged doves. On the drive to work I saw a red-tailed hawk, coots, what was probably a broad-shouldered hawk but I didn't get a great look, and turkey vultures. And last night on the way home I saw a Great-horned owl perched along the road.

I haven't seen the harrier back since this weekend. I know that bird was correctly identified, because I had my birding binoculars with me and watched multiple videos of them hunting to compare the method that she was using. I'm honestly not worried about her taking a LF English Orpington. But I know the red-tails and heavier bodied BOP can definitely take them down.

 

[Alexandra33]

I'm located near a large body of water, wetlands, several ponds, pastures, and forests, which makes for a variable habitat that appeals to a lot of different birds. Just this morning before work I saw the snow geese, meadowlarks, kestrel, several species of sparrows, phoebes, cardinals, and white-winged doves. On the drive to work I saw a red-tailed hawk, coots, what was probably a broad-shouldered hawk but I didn't get a great look, and turkey vultures. And last night on the way home I saw a Great-horned owl perched along the road.

I haven't seen the harrier back since this weekend. I know that bird was correctly identified, because I had my birding binoculars with me and watched multiple videos of them hunting to compare the method that she was using. I'm honestly not worried about her taking a LF English Orpington. But I know the red-tails and heavier bodied BOP can definitely take them down.

Lucky you. Meadowlarks are easily some of my favorites.

By any chance, are you the path of the upcoming migration (next month, I believe?)? What do you normally see during spring and summer down there? Not intending to sabotage your thread, I'm simply very passionate about birds..... it's difficult to find others who share the same interest!

~Alex

 

[ColtHandorf]

This will be my first month at the new house. Previously I was in town and my yard was very unattractive to wild birds. But I live in North East Texas about an hour or so north-east from Dallas. It will be interesting to note which species I see.

I used to love birding when I was younger and once I'm more settled I plan on adding bird feeders, baths, houses, etc to the yard and area in order to enjoy them again.

 

[Alexandra33]

Lovely. Sounds as though you may catch some or most of the big event.

Congratulations on the rekindled love of birding. I'm thinking about attracting wild birds, as well. We already receive a lot of interesting visitors as it stands, due to multiple fruit and nut trees scattered around the property, so imagining what else might come if prompted is exciting. Horned Larks are abundant this winter!

~Alex

 

[centrarchid]

I will certainly take pictures next time one decides to show up.

Hmmm....definitely wasn't an adult Cooper's. No solid gray back and red/white barred underparts, or red eyes. Too large, also. Immature is a closer match as far as coloration, but still doesn't completely fit the bill.
View attachment 1691443
This accurately demonstrates what I've been spotting. As of now, I haven't yet caught a male pursuing the flock, though they frequent the immediate region.

It might be worth mentioning that this area is dominated by open farmland. Last year, soybeans (never encounter Harrier issues during corn years) were planted in surrounding fields, which is where most of my free-ranging birds ended up becoming dinner. Only once did I find remains just over the property line. Perhaps our geographic location makes a difference here?

~Alex

I see Northern Harriers working pastures, soybean and corn fields here. My lab is sitting roughly in the middle of 200+ acres of what is mostly pasture for sheep and goats. We have heavy raptor activity plus two species of meadowlark. I occasionally bring my display chickens out so they can forage after field day events rather than sit in pet carriers. Only the Red-tailed Hawks appear to promote stress in the chickens. A Bald Eagle sits in a dead crag by my fish culture ponds but it seems to have eyes more for fish.

 

[Alexandra33]

I see Northern Harriers working pastures, soybean and corn fields here. My lab is sitting roughly in the middle of 200+ acres of what is mostly pasture for sheep and goats. We have heavy raptor activity plus two species of meadowlark. I occasionally bring my display chickens out so they can forage after field day events rather than sit in pet carriers. Only the Red-tailed Hawks appear to promote stress in the chickens. A Bald Eagle sits in a dead crag by my fish culture ponds but it seems to have eyes more for fish.

I find your study of raptors in natural habitat fascinating. No better way to form an in-depth understanding of their habits/behaviors. Assuming "two species of Meadowlark" includes Western and Eastern? There are reports of Western stragglers here in Ohio, so I've been keeping my eyes wide open.

Recently, I had the pleasure of watching 20 or more Northern Harriers mill around a grassy field 5 miles away from home....it was simply mesmerizing. Truly majestic creatures. Such interesting hunting technique, too.

~Alex

 

[centrarchid]

I see a lot of action involving raptors owing nature of work and play. Seeing here is exceptional plus the birds are habituated to humans. I seldom see more than one Northern Harrier at a time and they get displaced by Red-tailed Hawks where are particularly abundant at same time Harriers arfe present.

Yes, Eastern and Western Meadowlark. Only one appears to breed here. Will not be long before Bobolinks go through. Timberdoodles already present, but having difficult time with cold snap.