I love Hawks but NOT sitting in the tree above my birdfeeders in my front yard. I looked out the window to see him sitting there and got my camera. Only after importing did I see the feather in his beak and remains of the poor bird in his claws. :(
Oh no - that must have been quite distressing. I know he's only doing what's natural but it's an awful thought that he's been drawn in towards your feeder. We get the same (but worse) feeling when we find feathers near our house - but it's even worse when you know its an introduced fox or feral cat that's responsible. I hope he moves on to other areas.
Stunning photo and shocking find when importing. Hawks are a beautiful rapture, but I understand they are not welcome near a bird feeder. I occasionally see one in a birdbath in my backyard, which scares all the other birds away for several hours or they rest of the day.
@darchibald Thanks for stating it was a Cooper's Hawk, I didn't really pay any attention, just assumed it was a Red Tailed. I did think something was odd about him though!
@ljmanning Thanks Laura, I should have paid more attention but just assumed it was the usual hawks we have around here. I live in town so don't expect these guys at my feeders.
I always hope that if a hawk gets a bird it will be a Blue Jay because they are bullies, Starlings or Grackles. But if they get hungry enough, there's snow on the ground where they can't find rodents, they'll go to a feeder for the same reason small birds go to the feeder. Getting food is easier than in the wild.
@skipt07 Well we are in the middle of a blizzard so I know it's getting tough to find food and it's survival of the fittest. I'd have to say I am going broke with the Starlings eating massive amounts of food so I probably wouldn't miss one of those! And they are loud and obnoxious too! :)
This is nature…