Birdfeeders

Birds have two types of predators to watch out for. There are those that approach from the ground which include mostly humans, cats and snakes. From the air, they need to watch out for mostly hawks. Because they respond so differently to each of these dangers, it is easy for us to figure out what type of predator may be approaching. If a ground predator is spotted, you will probably hear some short, harsh calls and any birds that are feeding on or near the ground will immediately seek higher perches. The platform feeders on the ground will be deserted, but hanging bird feeders will still have activity. However, the predator will be kept constantly in sight and the calling will continue until it leaves and is no longer a threat. The behavior is quite different if the predator approaches from the air. Usually, the bird that spots the hawk first will give a very high pitched whistle that is immediately noticed by all other birds in the area. In our yard, this has been a scrub jay. I have read that when this happens, all other birds become silent and freeze. This has not been our observation. On both occasions that we have been visited by a Coopers hawk, the jays certainly gave the loud warning, but this caused all birds to race for cover and then remain silent and hidden. As the hawk sat on the fence looking around, there was not another bird to be seen or heard in the area. When the hawk left, the birds slowly returned to their normal behaviors.