HAWKS?! Really????! So, last Tuesday(ish), my hubby (who's home all day these days) called me at work and said there were THREE hawks in trees around our yard. Not trees in our yard, but trees with views of our yard. He said that he had to get Mandie and take her inside and was sad because she loves playing out there and chasing her brother. He mentioned that 2 of the hawks may be babies of the 3rd and she is teaching them. That makes sense because you really usually only see ONE hawk at a time. (Vultures will be in groups but hawks hunt alone). I didn't think much else about it sense then because I'm always watching for hawks anyway (and owls) when I'm outside with my girl. Then, this is what happens to us this morning... We are all (me, Mandie, and Shelby-Dale) outside as we usually are. I have a very big back yard that is kind of like the shape of a football field (longer than it is wide). I'm at one end with them and walking back towards the house - Mandie is not too far from me. I look up at a big oak tree at the other end of our yard (still has stupid leaves that won't fall on it) and I see a shadow. I immediately knew that shadow and turned to look over my shoulder and up...NOT HIGH but not low enough to touch...a HAWK. And, the thing is, it was definitely wanting Mandie because it circled us. I flew over me as I grabbed Mandie up in my arms and it turned right. It flew over our big Pine tree and then flew over us again from right to left. Then, came back and did a circle right over my head (by the way, I'm yelling at it the whole time - they do NOT care and are NOT scared) and after it circled it flew straight ahead of me (like in the opposite direction from where it originally came). DANG STUPID HAWKS! I mean, come on! It's winter...go to Mexico or something. :mad: |
That's beyond making me feel uncomfortable... what a close call! |
Unfortunately there's not a lot you can do except keep your babies close by. Red-tailed hawks stay year-round in your area & if they've seen your little ones as possible lunch, they may continue to hang out in your yard. The other 2 hawks were likely juveniles she was teaching hunting skills to. Most hawks do go to Mexico & points beyond, but not those guys. :) |
Have you noticed the inundation of these hawks over the past few years. Apparently we have been encroaching on their property so now they encroach ours. Because there are so many now in civilization, I'm guessing food sources are tougher to come by. Therefore, they get braver and try for anything small enough to take off to the next to feed themselves and their young. Watch out. |
Yeah, I'm thinking of getting a big bat or stick just so I can swing at one if it ever does swoop down. I've been thinking about stringing nylon lines from my fence to posts all over my yard..now, I'm pretty sure I'll be doing that..just need to figure out the configuration so I don't take my own head off LOL |
Interesting you said that about the string. I was wondering if there wasn't some semi invisible protection from these birds. I won't let Bailey be outside without either Natalie or myself watching. |
I have been battling hawks and owls for the entire time I have lived in this house....it is MUCH less than when we were only the 3rd family out here, butting up next to the woods....but they are still around, and the owls still hunt at night. I am certain they watch and know there is a buffet here, and they just lkeep checking back...and I am just as certain, they now have YOU in the cross hairs, and the first opportunity they get, they will get your little baby! PLEASE, dont atke your eyes off her and the skys and keep her close....the person at the zoo bird house told me these dogs look just like rabbits to a hawk....we need to put an orange vest....yes, hawks appparently do sewe color.....on them when they are outside! BUT.....after watching that eagle try to carry off that human child/baby, I am not giving total credence to "they think it is a rabbit" theory! |
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Thankfully, that video of the eagle and the child turned out to be fake. Some students had made that - the news channels played the story and let us know it wasn't real. Scared me to death when I first saw it! |
I feel for you. We have seen a lot of them here lately. More than usual. :(. I did a happy dance because one got hit by a car! Isn't that shameful? But they are so scary to have around our babies. Glad you all were ok. Hard to believe they have no fear. :( And I agree, go to Mexico! |
Here are a few things you can try to deter hawks and owls. First is mirrors facing straight up. Reflects light and also the get a glipse of themselves. Second thing is owl or hawk sound being played outside when you see them. They might go away. Think they are Imposing on anothers territory. The third is air horn or bike horn. But you do ha e to desensitize your dog against the sound. |
Btw All hawks and owls are protected by federal and state laws. Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Reform Act of 1998 you can get fined up to $100,000 for killing A raptor |
Yeah, I know...that's why the ones around my yard are NOT dead. LOL (seriously, I'm kidding...I think they are majestic animals..just wish they'd be majestic over therrreee ----> lol) |
I had talked about hanging old cd's or tin pie plates around the yard. Didn't think of mirrors. I'm gonna look really funny going to the store buying nylon lines, bean poles, tin pie plates and mirrors......eh, it'll give the cashier something to talk about at dinner ;) |
I always say that I wish I could come up with an invention that would keep hawks away, a vest with spikes or something....If I could, all our babies would be safe and I'd be rich! :p I'm always watching for hawks and owls too.....would be nice not to have to worry about that! |
This is always scary when i read about this stuff. We have hawks too, but i haven't seen them around or near our yard. It does make me want to be more aware. Copper hops around the yard looking like a bunny sometimes. I can see how they might think bunny. |
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