What killed Lil' Bit - UPDATE: it's a hawk!!

[desertdarlene]

Quote:
It is really strange how they know the difference, even for wild birds. They notice the vulture, but the only react to the raptors. And, even seem to know the difference between an osprey and other hawks/eagles.

 

[froggie71]

So sorry for your loss. It is so tough to any of our birds, but especially our favorites. We've had a coopers hawk watching our birds for about a month now. He got our little Spitzhauben and since then the chickens have been locked in their runs. They are none too happen. DH even saw the hawk with a squirrel today. Seems he had to settle for rodent instead of our chickens.

 

[gritsar]

It's a red-shouldered hawk. I went out to check on the chickens just a bit ago, found them all huddled in their favorite corner and growling. Looked up in a pine tree directly above where Lil'Bit was killed and saw that hawk. The chickens are on a high alert. One hen isn't taking any chances; she's in the coop on a roost, growling.

 

[BlackBart]

RIP
I would say definately a Hawk. But now that you have seen one you know for sure.
My Neighbor raises Hawks and Falcons and he told me that is generally how they kill larger birds. The swoop down and snap the neck and feed on the ground.

 

[Mattemma]

We had the turkey vultures too. They were eating the dead animals in the woods.They can smell decomp from miles away! Lol,did you know the TV pees on their legs to clean them? They look awesome in flight.

Sorry for your loss and the frustration of dealing with a protected animal.

 

[redhen]

Quote:
Well..now you know for sure..

Maybe hang up some CD's?? I dont know what else deters them..they are SO persistant!!

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
Well..now you know for sure..

Maybe hang up some CD's?? I dont know what else deters them..they are SO persistant!!

I know what deters them, but I won't say on an open forum

We had severe storms last night, tornados everywhere, and this morning the crows are back

(They've been stangely absent for a week or two).
Today when we go to the co-op I will be buying extra chops (cracked corn) to feed the crows. I've seen the crows in action against our resident golden eagles. The crows will give Mr. Hawk no peace at all. Go crows! Go crows!

 

[BlackBart]

I know what deters them, but I won't say on an open forum

I'm going to go buy a slingshot. I have no hope of hitting the enormous Red Tailed Hawk. He sits far up in a huge fir tree on the neighbors property. I doubt my neighbor would like anything bigger than a slingshot pointed his way

 

[BayouPoules]

I find old stale bread draws the crows to my house,.. they're kind of annoying,. but they really do act like watchbirds, making such a noise when they spot a hawk.. I have seen them chase the eagles and the split tailed Kites away too ,. soooo,. they get the bread,. I sure do hope they get rid of that hawk for you,. so sorry about Lil' Bit.

 

[TicTac]

In mid summer I had a big Red Tail doing fly overs and went out to the coop because my spidey sense was going off and here that thing was in the middle of gulping one of my chicks down. Now get this I yell " shoo shoo!! " and that sucker charged me with wings open!! Too which I picked up a rock and nailed it. When your scared your aim can be pretty good. I normally love hawks but not this one, sucker was after my eyeballs. I figured my shoo shoo was its out. Truth is once they know where the meal is at he will be back. I know there are regulations because they are protected so you will have to see what you can do in your state. I don't have anymore trouble with that hawk....;