Worried about this hawk!
 

Well it looks like Mr. Hawk is back! I believe without a doubt this is the same one that was munching on a squirrel in front of my house a couple weekends ago.

The 1st and 2nd picture are Monday morning. Peanut was in his dog run and I was standing there telling him to go potty…. He was lagging as usual- and something just told me to look to the left- when I did I see this big ole hawk sitting on my fence! He was looking or I should say staring at Peanut the whole time he was around! Something startled him and he then flew above us, and landed up on the fern tree.. he then continue to stare at my Peanut!

This morning we had another visit. This would be picture’s 4 and 5. This time I was standing there telling Pnut to poo, and of course he was lagging as usual. I heard a wing flutter, I looked and I saw our friend again! This time he had something- he paid us no attention. He did fly up to the tip of the tree and he seemed like he was eating something, he kept bending down like towards his talons then coming back up- I swear I heard like a bird squeak, maybe like a baby bird he had? Not sure.

Just to be clear, Peanut’s dog run is like a big dog’s run. We have French doors and we use the smaller door as Peanut’s doggy door to the inside of his cage outside, he can go inside and outside as he pleases. DH also put a chain link top on it…

What scares me is, we were just out there the other day ( backyard) and I was throwing Peanut’s ball for him! I guess our days of being outside are over, at least without a leash on!! I do not trust this hawk at all!! He also sneaks around the front yard hiding in the trees!!

I think since I have seen him twice in my backyard and once in my front, I will send a memo out and tape it on the mailboxes so people are aware of this Hawk.. I know lots of people leave their small dogs outside and cats outside. This hawk is big, I want to say it like 6 pounds… I have never seen one this big around my house.

As worried as I get with the hawks and owls we have around my place, I have NEVER had one sitting on my fence watching my baby. And, I have never witnessed them actually eating prey, as you have. Now, I have watched blue jays run an owl off and down the street one time..that was quite entertaining.

Have you put up anything in your yard to deter the hawks? There is no fool proof way to get rid of them, but you can deter (make it less appealing - your yard, I mean). Everyone who knows my posts, knows I put Mandie in an orange vest. I also bought some mirrors (I've yet to put up), but you could try that too. Strategically place little mirrors on poles or something around your yard - aim the mirrors up/slanted upward.

I just received something I ordered in the mail that is simple and makes so much sense. I will be putting it up this weekend. It is holographic tape. You cut it in long ribbons and put it up (like 2 or 3 ribbons) in branches. The noise and shimmer keep them "scared" or spooked. Try that...I can give you the name of the stuff if you want - I got it on amazon.

Yep, I think you're right...that hawk is eyeing Peanut for a meal. Just can't be too safe. I had already planned on not taking Princess Sophie outside without her harness and leash because even though we live in town (rural community) there are hawks everywhere!

Sorry but I had to giggle though because birds can be deceiving when you look at them with all their feathers. Your hawk probably only weight about 4 lbs. Of course I'm guessing here and understand he may actually be bigger than I can tell from the picts but they have tons of feathers and actually don't weigh very much at all. LOL!!

As for your concern about the hawk, you are right on target there. Can't trust them as far as you can throw them. LOLOLOL It's definitely leash time.

That is one serious-looking creature. I pray your little one is never in his/her sights for even a moment!!! Scary as heck.

Scary I dont get hawks in my yard luckily but if i did mine would be on a leash when out

Scary! Glad to hear Peanut is well protected in his run.
I hate that Direct TV commercial where the slogan says scarier than a.... and one of the bits is a dog being carried off by a large bird...not funny bad marketing.

Oh I hate that comercial because of that

NOT funny! I've only seen that once and I thought what poor taste and how thoughtless people can be! They obviously heard about this happening to Yorkies and other small dogs and think it is joke-worthy. Ugh and yuck!

I know, I’m pretty shocked I was able to get this close to him!! We made eye contact a couple times! I don’t have anything up just yet. I really didn’t think we were going to have a problem until now. I guess this area his is turf so I will have to do something to protect our yard. I don’t really have any tress in my backyard.. I guess I can hang them on a string and nail them under the eaves…??

I’m telling ya this guy is big! I would at least say 5 pounds.. up close his body looks pretty thick. His beak and talons are pretty big too!! He is the biggest hawk I have seen.. maybe because I have seen him up close.. I don’t know, but I wouldn't doubt him being able to carry Peanut away, I think if he really tried and had the time he could.

He is real serious, beautiful to look at.



Yes! Peanut will never be out without a leash.. EVER!

OMG I hate that commercial too!!! Damn Direct TV! It really was bad on their part!

We have 2 that have started hanging out around our house two so we are not on the hunt for a dog run that is fenced on top too.

Yeah, Deanna - it really is his turf. That's a good way to explain it. I would think some on your eaves would work. The mirrors might be a better option if you don't have trees. Just get a couple of (what I call) bean poles and put some up maybe..?

OMG that is scary. I am so glad you have Peanut protected.