Merlin Hawk in Wisconsin?

Question

During the winter, feeding the little song birds, a family of 3 bunnies and a possum is so enjoyable here in Wisconsin. BUT we have a merlin hawk taking advantage of our generosity, like we are feeding/baiting them for his killing convienence. He has killed one of our cats and attacked 2 others, many little birds and bunnies have fallen victim to this lazy killer. It has swooped at my husband in the driveway and at that point, signed it's death warrant! I have called the DNR, they are protected, to a point. I have put out plastic owls and rotate them periodically, shiny things array the yard, whenever we get sunshine, they sparkle. It is full blown winter here and food is scarce for the birds who are use to feeding at our feeders~now and all year long. I can not just stop feeding them. I have bought a pellet gun and would love to blow that killer away but, by the time I spot him, open the door and take aim from the hip....he is airborn. What else can I do?It is a daily event.

Answer 1

WELCOME TO MOTHER NATURE

Answer 2

A Merlin is way too small to kill a cat. Merlins are only a bit bigger than robins. It's probably a Cooper's Hawk or Goshawk, and there's no way they want to harrass people, unless you are by a nest, and this time of year, that is not the case. He's not really a lazy killer, when you think about it, it probably takes a lot of work to kill for your supper. Probably more work than it takes to go to the grocery store. He's gotta make a living too.

I think the best long-term idea would be to try to create more cover in your yard for the birds, and then whenever a hawk comes by, they can take cover and be safe. So plant some bushes. For now, maybe you can find an old christmas tree or downed tree in the woods to put by your feeders.

And of course, I'm sure you're aware, it's completely illegal to kill a hawk. (Not to mention misdirected. Nature goes on, whether you like it or not.)

Answer 3

As long as you are providing easy prey the hawk is going to continue to come back. Can't punish a bird for doing what comes naturally, it is just trying to survive like all the other birds. You would definitely be breaking the law by harming it or any bird, they are all protected here in the US by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Merlins are actually Falcons, not hawks, and they are rather small, doubt if they could pull off killing a cat. If you want to keep your cats safe, keep them indoors and you will not have to worry about them being eaten or attacted. As long as your cats are allowed to run loose outside, it is pretty much fair game as to what happens to them. I can think of a lot more dangers of the outdoors than hawks: cars, poisons, diseases, fleas, ticks, worms, cat fights, etc. Do you think this hawk has a nest nearby, this could be why it swooped at your husband. Birds are not usually aggressive toward humans unless they have a good reason. Look around in the trees for a nest, if you harm this bird you could be inadvertently killing her babies as well. I suggest you enjoy ALL nature, not just SOME of nature. You cannot control nature, it just happens. If you are too concerned than take your feeders down and the birds will have to fend for themselves...it is your choice...or keep the feeders up and let the birds fend for themselves.

Answer 4

First of all it is not a merlin, Merlins are very small falcons that live in open terrain and hunt small birds. It sound like a red tail.
But why do people insist on creating drive thrus for hawks and then winge when the ikkle birdies get eaten up. what you are doing is making an easy prey base for this hawk in your back garden. If you don't want it catching it's natural prey items in your garden, stop feeding them in your garden. simple as.
What you are observing is a beutiful natural occurance that many animal watchers would love to see. Ok you don't want it catching your cat, I understand this, I have cats too. But i would like to point out that these hawks are a protected species and if you "Blow that killer away" you will be a killer yourself and probably end up with a hefty fine or worse a prison sentance.
Try contacting the department of wildlife and fisheries or see if the local falconer would like to trap it. then it's out of your way and working for a living too.