Hawks!!!

[Paulette]

Well, here's some interesting information for those who don't think predator birds are present in their areas....and since it's a topic of great cussion and discussion.....We just got a new chihuahua puppy that is 12 weeks old, he fits inside two hands and is absolutely adorable. I did not want a puppy of any kind because I knew I'd be the one having to clean up the potty training messes. We were outside exploring the yard with our very big german shepherd and our cat, when a hawk swooped down to get a closer look at the new puppy, in spite of be accompanied by the big dog that looks like a horse.... it flew right over my head and I looked up to see all the markings on it's belly....talk about a thrill....he couldn't have been more than 15 feet above the ground.....I'm 5'6"....I could have nearly touched it if I'd reached up.....it sure gave me a chill. :eek:

[Buy A Paper Doll]

Yes, I agree. I've seen hawks in my area as well, even in my back yard. (I live in the city, right under the flight path of a major international airport.) I can't wait to get our back patio screened in so that I can feel safer having the birds out there. Any time I take the birds outside in their cage, I can see a hawk circling the area.

As to whether it will actually come close, well, my mother had one try to "catch" her one day when she was in the back yard raking leaves. She felt something in her hair and looked up to see a hawk flying up and away from her.

[mjm8321]

We live right between a river and a lake and the area is wooded, except for part of the backyard where I can see out to the lake. There are always red tailed hawks around. I do however have an early warning system, which is the crows and the Stellar Jays that see the hawks flying above and make an ungodly racket.
A hawk in NYC's central park was seen swooping down and taking a woman's tiny little dog. You have to be careful everywhere.

[linda040899]

Predator birds can be seen in some very unlikely places! Sometimes you don't see them until the damage is done and there are no options.

Paulette,
You were lucky that the hawk was not in hunting mode. Your new puppy would have been a meal and it would have happened before you even realized what was going on. Chihuahuas are very tiny and I'm not quite sure what you will have to do to protect your little one. That's really scary!

[LauraO]

We're lucky in Hawaii. I don't think there are any birds of prey that would be dangerous to small animals. The mynah birds are bullies but that's about it.

[Paulette]

As to whether it will actually come close, well, my mother had one try to "catch" her one day when she was in the back yard raking leaves. She felt something in her hair and looked up to see a hawk flying up and away from her.

Well....that is certainly scarey enough.....she is very lucky that it didn't hurt her or scratch her eyes or face....I read an article in an old "Birds N Blooms" about hawks attacking people with pony tails....it seems they think it's some kind of animal.

Well MJ....I can certainly believe it.....and you know Central Park has got to be very busy....that is what makes it so unusual....just like the puppy being accompanied by me, the big dog and the cat and still getting checked out by a hawk.

Linda...yes I'm sure partly the attraction was due to movement (he was running at the time)...usually one of us go out with him, but I have let him out while I'm busy and just because the cat and big dog are out too, they are starting to get to know him and play a little...he is letting me know when he needs to go out....he's a quick learner and doesn't like getting a spanking for pottying in the floor....is enjoying going outside and is learning his way around the yard.

[Buy A Paper Doll]

Well....that is certainly scarey enough.....she is very lucky that it didn't hurt her or scratch her eyes or face....I read an article in an old "Birds N Blooms" about hawks attacking people with pony tails....it seems they think it's some kind of animal.

I think the hawk mistook my mother's short white hair for a small animal of some kind and backed off when it discovered that my mom was not a little white bunny rabbit or something.

[Buy A Paper Doll]

Just noticed that 2 doors down, perched on the roof, is a hawk. He's just sitting there. I would think he can hear my birds chirping with the windows open. (Who CAN'T hear my birds chirping with the windows open? :roll: )

[Paulette]

Hawks do eat some kind of pesty bird, but I just can't remember what species it is.....I read it somewhere....prob. Birds N Blooms. I am so paranoid that I don't leave the window in the bird room open very far....especially at night because we have opposums and skunks that roam the neighborhood occasionally....I don't think getting in through a screen would be much trouble for them....so I only leave the window open about 2 inches....and keep the ceiling fan on. Our big dog kills the opposums that get into the yard, but let me tell you they are vicious little creatures....I tried to push one off the top of the wood fence with an old torchere poll, he totally attacked and chewed up the end that holds the bottle and hooked his claws onto the fence...they are stong little turds I.....you have to really get them off balance and then give them a really good shove! And all the while they are growling and hissing at you. It really is a site to see.