I have had 3 feeder birds killed in the past week (blue jay, mockingbird, mourning dove). I let my chickens run free the last hour of the day. I have no yard fence, so I mean free. Neighbors don't seem to mind too much
Last evening I looked out to see a large Cooper's setting in the tree above the run, swishing her tail back and forth with a note of ire preceived. I suspect she had just missed her quarry. Anyway she paid no attention to my hens, though most of them were looking at her. Young Rufous was too busy courting to take notice. He and his two 4 month old sisters are being slowing integrated into the flock during this time. I eyed the hawk for about ten minutes, then went out and clapped my hands, watching her sail away up the neighbor's fence line. I guess it depends on how hungry they are as to what they are willing to consider prey. During the same spell, i noticed my neighbor's black and white tom skirting the yard. He once made an attempt on one of my hens, but was hammered by EE roo George. He has stayed well away from them ever since.
scott
scott
