I knew something was wrong yesterday when all the bird activity stopped abruptly around 3:00 in the afternoon but I was too busy shoveling snow to investigate. This morning I got up early and there was still no activity. I went outside and filled the feeder up to the brim and still nothing. I went outside and looked over the balcony railing and saw large feathers scattered on the snow and I thought they looked like those of my friendly hawk. I went down and picked some up and I think you will agree. Would another hawk kill a young hawk? It's 9:30 now and the birds have returned. We were all worried the hawk was going to kill my little birds but I don't think anyone thought he would be the target. Boo Hoo😢
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15 comments:
I am certainly no bird expert Rosemary, but I think this might be a mourning dove. The feathers with the white heart shape on the tip look like those of a dove. I would hate to think your hawk was killed, & it would seem odd for that to happen...unless perhaps an owl.
...all is grace!
Oh, no! SO SAD! I hate it when a beautiful living thing is killed.
Eagles kill hawks. Do you have an eagle? Also, larger hawks. I guess you'll know that if a larger variety of hawk comes and takes his place on your balcony.
Anita ~ the cabin on the creek: Anita, All of the feathers scattered all over were black, gray, and white. My mourning doves have lots of beige feathers as well as grey, black, and white ones. I have had a very active Cooper's Hawk today and the birds are nervous. I have read lots of articles today and hawks do eat hawks. I have red-tailed hawks too but I haven't seen any lately. Anyway, my sunflower kernels are lasting longer than usual and we are having a lovely weekend. I hope I can recharge for more snow on Monday!
xo, Rosemary
sandy lawrence: It is sad to see evidence of any animal that has been killed. I have owls and larger hawks, the Red-Tailed ones but I haven't seen any this winter. We have had a long spell of cold weather with lots of snow so food supplies are limited for the large birds. I'll just continue feeding the small ones and hope for the best.
xo, Rosemary
Living with animal/bird life means doing it on their terms. Sometimes it can be hard to witness but it is survival for them. In the natural world it seems mite makes right and all continues on in the natural order. Yes, it is sad.
Franki -- Thank you for your uplifting words. Yes, it's survival of the fittest in the animal kingdom, especially in the winter.
xo, Rosemary
I'm sorry, Rosemary. No matter which bird was killed, it's a loss. You have taken excellent care of your flock, and they are truly a delight. Just seeing them in the beautiful pictures you post, puts a smile on my face. Thank you!
Would a hawk kill a young hawk? I wouldn't think so, how sad. We have hawks and baby hawks that prey on the blackbirds. Survival of the fittest?
Karen
As someone who has lived in the woods on a lake for over 40 yrs I see all kinds of fauna. I grow to love all the creatures, but try to remember they have their own lives. Even though I know this, it's hard to not to feel a deep sadness when their life is over (In fact, I'm a vegetarian because I could never eat an animal!). I'm sorry for your loss, but remember it is the circle of life...
Oh dear! So sad.
Hi Rosemary, I agree with Anita. I've had doves killed at my feeders. They are greedy and are reluctant to leave the food! It doesn't help that they are big targets on the snow! I have those exact feathers in my collection. Some of those feathers are expendable so the birds can escape. Denise
Please GOOGLE mourning Dove feathers fanned. You have DOVE feathers not hawk feathers. The birds surely were nervous. It is sad from the dove's point of view but the hawk thanks you!
RPW -- Thank you. I looked at the fanned feathers and now I am in agreement that it was a Mourning Dove that was killed as Anita suggested. They are not swift birds and would be easy targets for a hawk. They are just returning to my feeder this Sunday morning and that's further proof.
xo, Rosemary
Such a sad loss. Hawks are so beautiful to watch in flight. We have one that terrorizes the visitors to our bird feeder. With all those feathers, you might want to make a quill pen out of a large one. For inspiration, find a Rembrandt landscape drawing online.
Unknown -- It has now been established that the Hawk killed one of my Mourning Doves. I have seen the Cooper's Hawk flying around and my birds are still very nervous.
xo, Rosemary
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