We have been aware of the hawks in our neighborhood, and watch. Nonetheless, I would still step inside the duck shelter in the morning, with the ducks in a fenced in area adjacent to the door, but with no netting over them. No close calls, and every few minutes I would come out and scan around and listen.
Well, this morning - it may not have even been a real close call, we cannot know - I was inside doing duck room service for a few minutes, and my beloved dashed out the door and called for me. He had been indoors and saw what he believed was a sharp-shinned hawk gliding toward the back yard. I got that sick feeling, but am grateful we still have everybody. The ducks seemed unaware of trouble. Often they point out potential problems to me, but we all missed it this time.
I hustled them up to the Day Pen, where they have fencing top, bottom and sides.
It snowed last night, and we have four inches of snow on the ground. I feel that raptors may have to be more bold to find something to eat in these conditions. It is midwinter, and they may be preparing for this year's breeding. All reasons that I need to be much much more cautious. Just like with a tractor pto shaft, you get away with being a little lax maybe a hundred times and then the hundred and first comes along.
Haunted, so sorry to read of your loss. I have been reluctant to read about it, as I have not felt strong enough to bear the news in detail. But you are in my prayers. And thanks.
