Birdfeeders

There are several species of hawks that target small birds, but the two most common are the sharp-shinned hawk and the larger Cooper’s hawk. Remember that hawks are protected by law, so don’t even consider harming them in any way. Also remember that they are part of the balance of nature. However, none of us wants to see a hawk catch a songbird that is feeding in our yard. The best solution is to provide plenty of shelter and places for birds to hide. We have our hopper bird feeder hung near a large tree with a 6 foot hedge nearby and a pile of brush just behind the fence. I never use to like having scrub jays in our yard, for they are often bullies. After having a Cooper’s hawk visit, I welcome the jays! As the hawk approached unnoticed by many birds as well as by me, the jays put up such a racket that all birds raced to cover. The hawk sat on the fence for a while watching the yard and the hopper bird feeder and eventually left. It was exciting to see it, but I was thankful to the jays for voicing the warning.