Utah!

[Cynthia12]

DH was standing at the kitchen sink, have a window right there, all of a sudden he asks..what was that? Then he realizes what it had to be. He calls me while I'm already on my way...says that was a huge hawk that just flew down, then up over the neighbors house. In went my chickens for the day. Also kept them locked in through the night. I usually just leave the gate open when there hasn't been a site of hawks or cats. They sure didn't like waking up and not being able to go out and free range. Did that for a few days. Haven't seen the hawk for a while. Just the day before my DH saw this bird, I watched a hen cock her head up sideways and look up at the sky..so I looked up. Waaay up there was a one of those big hawks. Probably the one that thought it would give a try, but guess who was out there at the time..thank goodness? My Golden R. I know that seeing her keeps them away.

 

[sideWing]

The bird migration is on! And hawk sightings are up for sure. Glad they are all safe Cynthia.

 

[newmarch2014]

I left my dog out with mine yesterday too for a bit. But she has too much fun herding them back to the coop for no reason whatsoever when she is bored....

I am thankful that she keeps an eye out though. If she is the least uneasy about the birds or deer or anything she rushes them to the coop.

 

[Cynthia12]

I left my dog out with mine yesterday too for a bit. But she has too much fun herding them back to the coop for no reason whatsoever when she is bored....

I am thankful that she keeps an eye out though. If she is the least uneasy about the birds or deer or anything she rushes them to the coop.

Ha Ha..I love this! What breed? Has to be a herding type..lol..too cute!

 

[newmarch2014]

Ha Ha..I love this! What breed? Has to be a herding type..lol..too cute!

Yeah she is a Heeler/Border Collie. Way too smart for her own good. Easily bored. I love that she is good with the chickens though. My other 2 are also Heelerx and both would kill the chickens I am sure.

 

[RJSorensen]

Speaking of birds that may harm our birds, the other day I saw my cat with a mouse, coming towards home. A Magpie came down and more or less took the mouse away from my cat, I was just stunned. My cat does not eat them anyway, but rather shows them to me so that we will be proud of her… which we are, but despite knowing how brazen they could or would be, I had not seen a robbery like this. Hawks and Magpies are better kept away from ones flock, or small animals. Be safe out there folks.

RJ

 

[sideWing]

Speaking of birds that may harm our birds, the other day I saw my cat with a mouse, coming towards home. A Magpie came down and more or less took the mouse away from my cat, I was just stunned. My cat does not eat them anyway, but rather shows them to me so that we will be proud of her… which we are, but despite knowing how brazen they could or would be, I had not seen a robbery like this. Hawks and Magpies are better kept away from ones flock, or small animals. Be safe out there folks.

RJ

I think magpies are also a protected species. I know it make no sense. So if one of them happens to say.... die of a heart attack on your property, I would not mention it on the internet.

 

[Cynthia12]

Had to share, everywhere.

 

[RJSorensen]

Sidewing:I have heard that they are protected as well… I think it is the Mexico State bird or something or other like that. Part of the NAFTA agreement or other such nonsense. Back in the day of my youth, our local Wildlife Federation provided a ten cent bounty on their heads. All you could bring in, the local and only gas station served as the payment/redemption center. With some ease you could get two of them and trade them towards a fine Hostess Cherry Pie and a cold twelve ounce Coke in a bottle. These were also available at the service station, so everyone won, well except the black & whites.

Magpies are very hard on the local Pheasant population, and it is these that Wildlife Federation sought to protect. We as kids all carried our 22's with us everywhere, you could shoot in town or country then, no regulations other than don't shoot each other or property. We were taught to be 'gun safe' quite young, the world has changed a lot since then. I hope it is for the better. On a bright note, I went to Logan this a.m. and saw three splated Skunks on the road, I've little use for vermin.

Best to all and your birds,

RJ



The Silver Duckwing troupe.

 

[rcstanley]

I think magpies are also a protected species. I know it make no sense. So if one of them happens to say.... die of a heart attack on your property, I would not mention it on the internet.

They're protected, but if they're causing problems I think you can take care of them. I'm not an expert, but here's what the law says (sorry this is so long):
R657-3-7. Take of Nuisance Birds and Mammals.

(1)(a) A person is not required to obtain a certificate of registration or a federal permit to kill a bird belonging to a species listed in Subsection (1)(b) that is committing or about to commit depredations on ornamental or shade trees, agricultural crops, livestock, or wildlife, or when concentrated in such numbers and manner as to constitute a health hazard or other nuisance, provided:
(i) an attempt to control the birds using non-lethal methods occurs prior to using lethal methods;
(ii) applicable local, state and federal laws are strictly complied with; and
(iii) none of the birds killed, nor their plumage, are sold or offered for sale.
(b) The following bird species are subject to the provisions of Subsection (1)(a):
(i) black-billed magpie (Pica hudsonia);
(ii) American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos);
(iii) bronzed cowbird (Molothrus aeneus);
(iv) brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater); and
(v) shiny cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis).
(c) Nuisance birds removed under Subsection (1)(a):
(i) must be taken over the threatened area;
(ii) may not be taken with:
(A) bait, explosives, or poisons; or
(B) ammunition with lead or toxic projectiles, except when fired from an air rifle, air pistol, or a 22 caliber rimfire firearm; and
(iii) must be disposed of at a landfill that accepts wildlife carcasses, or burned or incinerated.
(d)(i) Any person that takes a nuisance bird pursuant to Subsection (1)(a) must provide to the appropriate U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Regional Migratory Bird Permit Office an annual report for each species taken.
(ii) Reports must be submitted by January 31st of the following year, and include the following information:
(A) name, address, phone number, and e-mail address of the person taking the birds;
(B) the species and number of birds taken;
(C) the months in which the birds were taken;
(D) the county or counties in which the birds were taken; and
(E) the general purpose for which the birds were taken, such as protection of agriculture, human health and safety, property, or natural resources.
(e) This Subsection (1) incorporates Section 50 CFR 21.41, 21.42 and 21.43, 2007, ed., by reference.