Peregrine Falcon Problem

[Mother Bird]

So...here's the latest. I put up the fishing line all over the top of the enclosure. The Falcon has been seen sitting above in a tree and looking down in once or twice, but it will not attempt to enter and pass by the line. Everyone has been safe for several months. I'm getting ready to add a few more to the flock, now that I know they are safe. Welcome Maybel, Blondie and Yolko...all Easter Eggers. Phyllis Diller, a black with white Polish Tophat will be joining us as well!

 

[Nambroth]

I'm amazed that you had a peregrine hunting your chickens! This is pretty unusual. Falcons prefer airborne prey, but-- with our continued development and new(er) tendencies to nest around human habitation it is not unreasonable to think that they are starting to learn opportunistic habits. You are sure it's a peregrine, and not a goshawk, right?

I'm happy to hear that the fishing line has helped. Peregrines are not as rough-and-tumble as a hawk and any damage to their wings can cost them their lives as they rely on their speed and agility to eat most of the time. Thus I am not surprised to hear that the falcon won't attempt to pass through the line.

I'm really glad this had a happy ending!

 

[geoff40]

Are you sure it's a peregrine falcon? How old are the chickens it is killing?

 

[Mother Bird]

Update-

The falcon continues to hunt in our neighborhood. We heard a huge mixed species commotion tonight. Robins and Blue Jays came in from every direction after the falcon who had a Robin in it's grasp. It landed briefly and they all flew at it, so it's obviously been hunting their fledglings!

My chickens on the other hand, have remained safe in their specified area. Putting fishing line over the top of the 20'x20' yard has been the answer. We have actually seen the falcon sitting in a tree above looking down in, but it will not pass the "web"!

 

[Mother Bird]

I've seen it on several occasions. I do feel quite certain, after looking at photos online, it is a Falcon.

 

[centrarchid]

If it is hunting fledglings, I bet raptor is a Coopers hawk. Look at picture of one and see if is a better match than a peregrine falcon to what you see. Management of Coopers will be different than a Peregrine.

 

[tellynpeep]

I agree with the above comment this is unlikely to be a falcon; Falcons don't go after prey on the ground, but like to catch birds on the wing. could be a Coopers or Sharp-shinned, or possible a Buteo.

 

[sourland]

My money is on the Cooper's hawk.

 

[Achickenwrangler#1]

My chickens have simply learned to avoid open areas, they hug the borders where they can duck into safety...they now constantly look and listen for hawks and when i don't hear or see the chickens I look up and there it is flying by. Of course I do have a cargo net over the brooder pen, that would be too easy. If it gets too bold a shotgun scares it off, I don't see any need to kill one since we have way too many rabbits.

 

[Mother Bird]

Well....I might need to eat crow

I looked up the Goshawk and now I'm not so sure. I plan to also look up the Coopers, Sharp Shinned and Buteo to thoroughly confuse myself.

I saw the bird in question again last night. It briefly landed in the tree right above my head while a Blue Jay(s) was after it. There is a neighbor of mine who may know. He is a wildlife artist with his focus on birds. He is very knowledgeable and having a conversation with him about birds is more of a science lesson! We affectionately call him " bird man ". His name is Steven Leed and he has done several pieces for wildlife magazines, and stamps too I think. If I have an hour to "chat", I'll ask him

If I get an answer to this mystery that I feel is definite, I'll post to let you all know. Thanks for the comments and interest!