Predators in Suburbs

[WilliamH]

Does anyone have any problems with predators in suburbs, especially hawks? Also do hawks often attack full grown chickens and ducks?

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Yes, birds of prey are active in the suburbs and yes they can take adult birds

 

[Cryss]

Yes to both questions. Several earth bound critters are very adept at climbing fences too.

 

[drumstick diva]

Our suburb (one of many of Chicago) has had coyotes roaming freely for years. Even had a few gathering on my front lawn- years ago. Neighbors told me- but, I never saw them. Haven't seen them in years - don't know if they moved to better hunting grounds or were poisoned/eliminated by the state. Just don't see them anymore.

By the same token used to have deer going through many backyards. Last year a young buck ate my expensive hosta plants down to the roots. I suspect they won't grow back. But have not seen the numerous deer we used to have. Our suburb is pretty much surrounded by forest preserves and that's where they have come from.

Have lots of hawk sightings. They don't come shooting down from the sky to nab unsuspecting prey though. They are lazy, they sit atop telephone poles or near bird feeders and just easily grab lunch.

We also have skunks, opossum , fox, woodchucks roaming around. The wildest thing we saw in Chicago was a Bluejay now and then. Out here we get birds - once even had a tree full of Cedar Wax Wings- must have been resting mid travels. Never saw them before or after that.
50 years ago when we moved in saw/heard a "Bob White." was thrilled. But never saw another one. Also had wild pheasants move across our yard before the fence went up.

We do get mooching ducks that bang at the side door looking for treats. Must be progeny of ones that came years before. Can't believe the original moochers would still be a alive so many years down the road. Even the hen that used to walk on our picture window outdoor sill and look into our house.

 

[aart]

Does anyone have any problems with predators in suburbs, especially hawks?

Might depend on the suburb, but yes there are plenty of predators everywhere.