Not Again

[Guest homestead]

I let my young birds out on Monday and saw the feathers on the floor and thought a cat had got one of them. 2 other birds would not come in and i've not seen them since. Today i let them out and while changing the water a hawk swooped into them and missed but turned again for a second attack and missed. Now thats them not going out again this year, in 3 years i have lost approx 25 birds to hawks. What is the answer? how do you stop them??? bassa feckin bassa

[frank-123]

keep your birds in until the end of February

once the sparrowhawk has had a taste of blood it will keep coming back looking for a food source

[Guest homestead]

keep your birds in until the end of February

once the sparrowhawk has had a taste of blood it will keep coming back looking for a food source

its a shame to keep them in but Yes it has to be done

[Guest IB]

I let my young birds out on Monday and saw the feathers on the floor and thought a cat had got one of them. 2 other birds would not come in and i've not seen them since. Today i let them out and while changing the water a hawk swooped into them and missed but turned again for a second attack and missed. Now thats them not going out again this year, in 3 years i have lost approx 25 birds to hawks. What is the answer? how do you stop them??? bassa feckin bassa

 

It’s a very difficult thing to advise anyone on because everybody’s experience, and the frequency of attacks at their lofts, is different. But I think 1 rule applies to all - when you have had an attack keep the birds in for a couple of days as the hawk will come back looking for a meal , and the last thing you want is to set up a daily feeding pattern at your loft, and have your birds in a constant state of panic..

 

25 birds lost in 3 years suggests to me that your birds aren’t fully aware of what is going on around them, so locking them up isn’t going to change that. When they are outside, make sure you’re outside too, easy enough to clean out after you get them back in - not so convenient for you - but much safer for your birds, as your presence outside is a deterrent.

 

Start watching for the signs of ‘something’ on the prowl. Watch and listen for warnings from the wild birds, and make sure your birds are alert and watching for them too. IMO that basically is the long term answer, the birds need to become streetwise.

[Walter swanston]

I have had trouble with hawks for twenty years here in Moffat.There ai`nt enough space on this site to relate the measures I have taken against them ALL UNSUCCESSFUL.There is only one answer keep your birds in until March 2012.Unsatisfactory I know but it keeps your birds alive

[ALF]

HAD MA TEAM OF KAMAKAZIES OOT THIS MORNING FOR AN HOUR BUT STILL ALL THERE WHEN I FED THEM IN

[Guest Tooshy Boy]

THATS GOOD MATE.///

[REDROCKET]

HAD MA TEAM OF KAMAKAZIES OOT THIS MORNING FOR AN HOUR BUT STILL ALL THERE WHEN I FED THEM IN

kamakazies that a new breed from china or japan lol

[tiger]

I have had trouble with hawks for twenty years here in Moffat.There ai`nt enough space on this site to relate the measures I have taken against them ALL UNSUCCESSFUL.There is only one answer keep your birds in until March 2012.Unsatisfactory I know but it keeps your birds alive

 

 

bang on

[Guest homestead]

my garden backs onto a railway line at about 35 degree angle so the tree line is about 100m long and tree's in the garden at the back of me so lots of cover. I think i might cut the corn down a bit so i get them in quickly, some of the young birds are later bred thats why i wanted them out. I dont want to throw them away either so in they stay for now TAKEAWAY closed until further notice.....

[JohnQuinn]

Had Percy above ma doos today again, the ever vigilant crow was about though and harassed it out of the area Clear blue skies made it quite a sight to watch, thought Percy was gonna take the crow out a couple of times but it was only out manoeuvring the crow.

As big as Percy looked in the Binoculars it was still much smaller than the crow and stayed JUST far enough away from it to protect itself.

[Guest chad3646]

Had Percy above ma doos today again, the ever vigilant crow was about though and harassed it out of the area Clear blue skies made it quite a sight to watch, thought Percy was gonna take the crow out a couple of times but it was only out manoeuvring the crow.

As big as Percy looked in the Binoculars it was still much smaller than the crow and stayed JUST far enough away from it to protect itself.

 

 

it must have been a sparrow hawk or a male peri

[Kyleakin Lofts]

- when you have had an attack keep the birds in for a couple of days as the hawk will come back looking for a meal

 

When they are outside, make sure you’re outside too, easy enough to clean out after you get them back in - not so convenient for you - but much safer for your birds, as your presence outside is a deterrent.

 

Start watching for the signs of ‘something’ on the prowl. Watch and listen for warnings from the wild birds, and make sure your birds are alert and watching for them too. IMO that basically is the long term answer, the birds need to become streetwise.

 

Ian, the sparra has been at my birds, I now have them locked up since the end of August. It only got about 3 of them, but it was still checking the area out in October, so a few days won't help too much. Further to that, the last attack, unsuccessful only because I chased it from its catch, happened while I was outside the loft watching. The sparra just missed me when it attacked the third time. The previous 2 attacks were chases and the late breds took to the ground. I managed to get some trapped, but the third attack was more of an ambush while I was trying to get them in. My presence did not deter the hawk. The birds were very alert, but also very stressed and I'm not sure that is a good thing.

[Guest Geo]

its twice in as many days Ive seen crows coming to the rescue, try to attract some pigeon friendly crows around they get the alarm bells going across the whole avian community and will teach your birds how to be aware ,even small wild birds around will help to tip off the doos

[Guest IB]

Ian, the sparra has been at my birds, I now have them locked up since the end of August. It only got about 3 of them, but it was still checking the area out in October, so a few days won't help too much. Further to that, the last attack, unsuccessful only because I chased it from its catch, happened while I was outside the loft watching. The sparra just missed me when it attacked the third time. The previous 2 attacks were chases and the late breds took to the ground. I managed to get some trapped, but the third attack was more of an ambush while I was trying to get them in. My presence did not deter the hawk. The birds were very alert, but also very stressed and I'm not sure that is a good thing.

 

I did say 'everybody’s experience, and the frequency of attacks at their lofts, is different'. I should also have added that my birds are also 'on lockup' after the last YB race. They are only out at weekends, mostly because of my full-time work commitment, and their moult - they don't seem as keen on flying in that first month (the heaviest part, when the loft is a carpet of feathers) and I don't think they are as capable of outmaneuvering predators when they are like that. Mine are also always bathed inside the loft.

 

I'm surprised your birds ground. IMO that's the last thing they should do when there is a sparrowhawk on the go. When alarms start sounding, mine take to the air, and when sparr does come over a minute or so later(usually with a couple of crows in tow) my birds are already well above them. IMO that is the safest place for a pigeon to be, above the predator. If the birds still feel threatened, they'll clear the area for 5/10 minutes, or until the sparr has gone, when they'll come straight down to the loft, and act as if nothing unusual has happened.

[Guest homestead]

where can i get some of these pigeon friendly crows from if only

[Guest Geo]

ill sell ye wan lol

[Guest IB]

where can i get some of these pigeon friendly crows from if only

 

Yes, once fell for that one too. Did regard them as an ally until one started targeting the birds everytime they were out. Couldn't put YBs out for weeks because of that, and OBs were terrified out their wits.

 

So, yes, happy to see them harry sparrowhawks and buzzards, but that's as far as it goes - they don't get to land anywhere near the house.

 

My birds are also very wary of seagulls, lots around here now compared to a few years ago. I think its the sharp angular shape of their wings, maybe mistake them for peregrine, or recognise it as a predator?

[Kyleakin Lofts]

I did say 'everybody’s experience, and the frequency of attacks at their lofts, is different'. I should also have added that my birds are also 'on lockup' after the last YB race. They are only out at weekends, mostly because of my full-time work commitment, and their moult - they don't seem as keen on flying in that first month (the heaviest part, when the loft is a carpet of feathers) and I don't think they are as capable of outmaneuvering predators when they are like that. Mine are also always bathed inside the loft.

 

I'm surprised your birds ground. IMO that's the last thing they should do when there is a sparrowhawk on the go. When alarms start sounding, mine take to the air, and when sparr does come over a minute or so later(usually with a couple of crows in tow) my birds are already well above them. IMO that is the safest place for a pigeon to be, above the predator. If the birds still feel threatened, they'll clear the area for 5/10 minutes, or until the sparr has gone, when they'll come straight down to the loft, and act as if nothing unusual has happened.

 

Ian, the two that grounded, one went into the kids hut porch, the other under the hedge behind the hut. The Sparra was in direct chase of these two. I am not great at distinguishing them yet, but the Buzzards I can tell ok. The Kestrels are fairly easy as well. I have problems with the problem BOP. I am sure it is a Sparra here, it is a bit bigger than the Kestrel, has a long tail giving the impression of a very thin body and the wings seem scimitar shaped when open.

[Fly_caster]

It's a SH Hen by your description.

 

Since she is so keen on your birds / garden, she would be easy to trap! Just make a wire cage about 1M wide x 1M long x .5 m High using 1" x 1" wire around a wooden frame. (Even large chicken wire will work)

 

Take 1 dead streeter, or any dead bird, and tie it, by the legs, to the furthest top corner of the box by the leg.

 

Prop the box up on its edge using a stick which will keep the box off the ground by 18". Tie the other leg of the dead bird to the top of that stick. This suspends the bird "in the air" but under the cage, with its legs spread taughtly between the corner of the cage and the top of the stick.

 

This is how it works. The SH will see the dead bird, which is better than a live one to them as it involves less effort to catch. The wire permits a good view of the bird from all angles. It will land, and run under the tilted cage and attack the bird so as it can eat it. The tugging and pulling at the bird will dislodge the stick and allow the cage to fall, thus trapping the hawk.

 

You can help how quickly the stick dislodges by putting a piece of smooth, thin plastic between the top of the stick and the under-edge of the cage.

 

This method works very well. I personally know someone who has trapped 15 or so Hens in the first half of a year. He, of course, decided to relocate all of these safetly!

 

Don't just moan about the problem - there are a million topics here and on other sites on how to control, if not eradicate the problem - you just need to set about doing something about it, not talking about it!

 

 

I lost a LB earlier this week, and within 1 day had relocated the offender using the same technique. If I get a chance, I'll post a pic in the next few days.

 

 

Cheers,

 

 

Steve

[Guest Geo]

Yes, once fell for that one too. Did regard them as an ally until one started targeting the birds everytime they were out. Couldn't put YBs out for weeks because of that, and OBs were terrified out their wits. So, yes, happy to see them harry sparrowhawks and buzzards, but that's as far as it goes - they don't get to land anywhere near the house.My birds are also very wary of seagulls, lots around here now compared to a few years ago. I think its the sharp angular shape of their wings, maybe mistake them for peregrine, or recognise it as a predator?

better the devil you know i know cows are a bit of a bandit but they are the wilds alarm call

 

It's a SH Hen by your description.Since she is so keen on your birds / garden, she would be easy to trap! Just make a wire cage about 1M wide x 1M long x .5 m High using 1" x 1" wire around a wooden frame. (Even large chicken wire will work)Take 1 dead streeter, or any dead bird, and tie it, by the legs, to the furthest top corner of the box by the leg.Prop the box up on its edge using a stick which will keep the box off the ground by 18". Tie the other leg of the dead bird to the top of that stick. This suspends the bird "in the air" but under the cage, with its legs spread taughtly between the corner of the cage and the top of the stick.This is how it works. The SH will see the dead bird, which is better than a live one to them as it involves less effort to catch. The wire permits a good view of the bird from all angles. It will land, and run under the tilted cage and attack the bird so as it can eat it. The tugging and pulling at the bird will dislodge the stick and allow the cage to fall, thus trapping the hawk.You can help how quickly the stick dislodges by putting a piece of smooth, thin plastic between the top of the stick and the under-edge of the cage.This method works very well. I personally know someone who has trapped 15 or so Hens in the first half of a year. He, of course, decided to relocate all of these safetly!Don't just moan about the problem - there are a million topics here and on other sites on how to control, if not eradicate the problem - you just need to set about doing something about it, not talking about it!I lost a LB earlier this week, and within 1 day had relocated the offender using the same technique. If I get a chance, I'll post a pic in the next few days.Cheers,Steve

 

no offence interned, but interfering and catching any bird of prey am sure is not a legal practice not saying it wont work but the law may bite you in the ass for it, wild birds pass the knowledge the doos need its been proven in my area over and over the doos get wyde/smart to it when the sparras or stuckies go bannans and its a natuaral sulution to a problem of nature and after trying that if your birds get taken its natural selection nature at work

[Fly_caster]

 

 

no offence interned, but interfering and catching any bird of prey am sure is not a legal practice not saying it wont work but the law may bite you in the ass for it, wild birds pass the knowledge the doos need its been proven in my area over and over the doos get wyde/smart to it when the sparras or stuckies go bannans and its a natuaral sulution to a problem of nature and after trying that if your birds get taken its natural selection nature at work

 

None taken. Passing the knowledge and keeping your flock of birds together and flying well at the loft are two different things completely. I don't give a rats ass about whether it is legal or not, but won't stand idly by whilst a SH decimates my birds, even of that is only mentally, stopping them reaching their potential after all my hard work.

 

 

Steve

[Walter swanston]

The general trend of a whole heap of SHU experiment and research some years ago was based on the capture and re-location of sparrow hawks.Politicians from the Scottish Government and avian and wild life experts and specialists were heavily involved.Quite a lot of cash was expended in the research.Guess what! The whole deal went out the window and the scheme was quietly dropped.Could it be because of the entrenched opposition from other and more powerful lobbies.Maybe some members on this site will recollect that particular fiasco.

[Guest bluemorning]

Ian, the two that grounded, one went into the kids hut porch, the other under the hedge behind the hut. The Sparra was in direct chase of these two. I am not great at distinguishing them yet, but the Buzzards I can tell ok. The Kestrels are fairly easy as well. I have problems with the problem BOP. I am sure it is a Sparra here, it is a bit bigger than the Kestrel, has a long tail giving the impression of a very thin body and the wings seem scimitar shaped when open.

 

 

if its got scimitar wings its a falcon spars are classed as round wings and short wings buzzards are called broad wings.keep birds in a few days change times when birds are let out be very visable while birds are out no loft sitting for birds and on sunny days look for spars quartering above before you let birds out when weather is bad and ground is frozen little birds feed under hedges so a bit more difficult to catch keep them in as spars will turn their attention to pigeons good luck all

[Guest Tooshy Boy]

KEEP DONKIN YEM.///