A Hawk has been attacking the birds on my feeder. What do I do?

Question

I took away the feeder two days ago and got all the spilled seed off the ground so it wouldn't attract the other birds.

On three different occasions this hawk has driven its prey into my dining room window where they hit and drop to the ground. Then the hawk picks them up and flies away with them.

How can I scare the hawk away permanently?

He's already killed 3 mourning doves.
He's really aggressive....... even toward the bluebirds, who are aggressive enough in their own right.

The hawk is still hanging around even though I took away the seed. Other birds don't seem to be coming around except the mourning doves. Maybe I should concentrate on scaring the doves away?

Answer 1

I have this problem as well. (And also with opportunistic cats who roam the neighborhood.) I continue to leave food out for the birds. The hawk is not going to kill enough birds that it will make a difference in their numbers-- but if you stop feeding them it WILL make a difference. Wild birds of all species are a necessary part of the ecosystem and their numbers are dwindling; they need all the help they can get.

You should move the feeder into an area that gives better visibility for the birds PLUS near some bushes or trees so that they can take shelter when the hawk is near. I have watched hawks chase birds from tree to tree, but if the bird can stay in cover the hawk will eventually move on to where the pickings are better.

I know it's kinda gruesome but the hawk has just as much a right to feed as the sparrows and doves. Do move the feeder away from the window and nearer to some cover and give the small birds more of a chance, but don't stop feeding them.

I hope this is helpful!

Answer 2

Like Scarlett I have this problem as well. One thing I do that has not been mentioned is to put a large baffle about a foot above the feeder. It's like an umbrella that gives the birds feeding some protection.
Since doves are ground feeders also, it won't give them much protection. If you can put something under the feeder to catch the seed and keep it up, the doves will stay on the feeder.
Cayenne pepper only affects mammals.
Don't stop feeding the birds. The hawk only needs one every couple of days in order to live. I hate it, but that's nature.

Answer 3

If it is truly a Peregrine at your feeder, I would think you would be terribly excited to have it! It's not very often that one gets to see a Peregrine, especially at a feeder. Also remember, it's a BIRD feeder, and Peregrines are birds. You're feeding up the food chain, and it's not necessarily a bad thing. If you seriously do not want raptors at your feeder, I suggest providing more shelter around the feeder for the birds that use it. They will be able to escape to nearby bushes and plants faster than the predator can get them. You can either move the feeder or plant more vegetation in the ground or in pots around the feeder. All diurnal (day-active) raptors have color vision. Also raptors can see UV, a trait that helps them track prey (mouse urine shows up in UV light).

Answer 4

Get yourself one big aggressive cat. If that doesn't work remove the window that way the doves can come into the house to escape the hawk. But remember one thing the hawk is only trying to make a living like the rest of us so don't be to hard on him.

Answer 5

We have a neighborhood hawk too and imagine our shock when HE decided to land on a feeder to eat! We've not seen him killing but I'm sure he has. However, that won't stop us from feeding the other birds. I'd rather they have their food and deal with nature as they must than to have them hungry at this time of the year. In the winter, food in their bellies help them to ward off the cold and may mean the difference between life and death for them.

Answer 6

Unfortunately you created a drive through for the hawk and he will keep coming back until he realizes that there is no longer a prey base. it will take time and as soon as you put feeders up and start attracting little birds again the hawk will return. the best bet is to either not feed wild birds again or appreciate nature for what it is. you enjoy seeing the tweety birds feeding in your garden, so why not predatory birds. Many people would do anything to see hawks hunting so close to them, me especially. I love seeing the birds in my garden and i would love to see a sparrow hawk in my garden too but they don't tend to come because we have falconry birds on our lawn. appreciate what you have.

Answer 7

dont go overboard and do whut dingy said about getting a falcon....it will do no good....YOU put the feeder there and it was an invite to a hawk....you should be thankful its not a stinky buzzard...besides hawk medicine is really good you dont have mice either....remember...you started it...dont complain....and Im NOT being nasty toward you...its just an honest answer....dont even think to poison it !!!!! and mourning doves ARE one of its MAIN staple for food...

Answer 8

Why would you want to scare the poor hawk away? It is called a "bird feeder" after all, is it not?

Answer 9

No, No, you don't want to use a B.B. gun, ever!! Your home area must be the hawks territory. Not much you can do as they are meat eaters also. Have you ever studied anything about Hawks? They are fascinating creatures, and maybe you can attrack more of these wild, diminishing breeds...No need to kill these either...That is one reason why we have so many endangered species of birds already!

Answer 10

Anything that would scare away the hawk would also scare away the birds.

The only thing I can think of is to dust the birds with cayanne pepper - one bite and that's the last time the hawk comes after them in your yard... ;-)