Hawk attack, hero rooster, and the circle of life

[Ms Biddy]

What a brave rooster. I'm glad he saved your girls. Depending how the hawk was injured, it may not live either. They are very prone to infection when they suffer broken bones in their wings. I know this because I found one and took it to a wildlife rescue once. They said it would just be euthanized.

 

[coach723]

Also could have been a Red-shouldered Hawk. They are quite similar to Red-tailed Hawks, but adults can be smaller than the Red-tails. The Red-shouldered hawks have more barring in their feather patterns than the Red-tails. Either way, good rooster, he did his job. I had one fight off a hawk once, I lost one hen before he drove the hawk off, and he left a spur in the hawk. I'm sorry for your loss.

 

[Chickassan]

My condolences on Woo. Maybe you can hatch a little roo off your girls before the Woo rubs off. Won't be him but it'll be close.

 

[AnneInTheBurbs]

Maybe this will help. This is my favorite book and I highly recommend it. The key on the fifth picture may help you determine if the bird is in your area year round, or just for migration, etc. Hope you see these pictures.

 

[drumstick diva]

Woo died a heroes death, so very sorry for his loss. Hope you'll find another roo like him.

 

[Barred Feather]

Maybe this will help. This is my favorite book and I highly recommend it. The key on the fifth picture may help you determine if the bird is in your area year round, or just for migration, etc. Hope you see these pictures.


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We're pretty sure it was a red tail. Thanks for these illustrations.

 

[Hivoltage]

Sad story. We are thinking of getting a Rooster for the 9 hens we have.

 

[Naturegirl155]

I am so sorry for your loss but happy he went out fighting to save your girls! Without knowing your location, it's tough to tell what type of hawk.

Coopers Hawks are fairly common but smaller than red tails I included a link to the bird guide I always use when trying to figure out what kind of feathered friends(or foes) are sharing by Backyard chicken space.
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Coopers_Hawk/id#

 

[Birdinhand]

Wow, what a harrowing story! Woo did his job!! I'd say you are looking at 2 hours prior at least.

 

[Chicken Boy 101]

What a heroic rooster.