Hawk attack, just wanting to vent a little

[rosemarythyme]

I was so happy this morning to have gotten my first post-molt egg of this season from Bumblebee, my little EE. Four hours later she was mortally wounded by a hawk and I had to put her down.

I feel terrible since it happened while I was out grocery shopping, because I hadn't done it yesterday like I'd planned. If I'd been home I would've heard the commotion and been able to jump in.

We were using a large weeping willow tree for coverage but recently had it pruned back, plus with winter the tree has gone completely bare, but it hadn't occurred to me that it would be an issue until now.

We have several days of rain slated but hopefully there'll be a few breaks in the rain so I can put up some bird netting the next day or two and then reinforce it with chicken wire on the weekend when hubby can help out.

 

[Sunshine Flock]

Oh, am I ever sorry to hear about your dear Bumblebee. A hawk swooped down right on top of one of our hens, who was standing under a toyon shrub just a few feet from the side of the chicken coop. My rooster sounded the alarm and I flew outside just in time to see the hawk fly out of the shrub and land in a tree.

It's scary, and their vulnerabilities never seem to end.

 

[cavemanrich]

I know how you feel. I have had losses to hawks myself.

 

[rosemarythyme]

As we don't have a roo my Welsummer was sounding the alarm (which put my male dog into a tizzy - again, if I'd only been home....) All I could do was drop the groceries and run over to see what was going on.

I just ordered some good quality aviary netting. All I have in the garage is the cheaper stuff that gets stretched out. It's better than nothing for the time being but I'll feel more secure when the heavy duty stuff is in place.

 

[Mimiruu]

Oh no! Sorry to hear about the darn hawk! Always so dangerous!

 

[CSAchook]

I am so sorry for your loss

 

[DaviJones]

I'm so sorry, that's absolutely awful! I'm glad that she didn't have to suffer though, poor thing.

 

[17 chickens]

I am so sorry about your little one, my thoughts are with you! These little feathered kids take hold on our hearts!

 

[User395221]

I'm so sorry for your loss. We can't help the "what ifs" but nothing you did or didn't do made this happen.

 

[theoldchick]

So sad to hear of this. Nature, at times, is cruel.