How do I deter a hawk from my yard?

Question

I put out bird feeders and when the little birds came, so did a hawk, preying on them. It doesn't seem to be afraid of humans as it sits in the tree just out of reach.

I'm sure it's illegal to harm or capture hawks, I just want it to go away.

The bird feeders are under a couple of avocado trees but he swoop right under them. The Hawk has a specked front and hoizontal bands on the tail. I think it's a Cooper's Hawk from the pics I've seen.

I'll guess I'll stop putting out seed and see if you doesn't return. I didn't realize I was creating a predator's smorgasboard.

Answer 1

"Hawks

Please remember that in the United States, it is illegal to kill, trap or harass native raptors. In addition to hawks, eagles and owls are protected by law. Try one of the following tips to help keep the songbirds your feeder will attract from becoming lunch for a hawk or kestrel:

Place your feeder near shrubs or trees that will provide dense cover. Many people hang their feeders in trees to give the birds a greater feeling of security.
Feed birds early in the morning and only what they will use in one day. Hawks and kestrels are more often seen later in the morning and in the early evening."

http://www.projectwildlife.org/gardens_protectingbirdfeeders.htm

Kathleen Gibson, Birding Editor for BellaOnline, suggests removing the feeders for a few weeks, allowing the hawk time to move on. http://www.bellaonline.com/ArticlesP/art7894.asp

Answer 2

You are right it is illegal to harm, capture or kill a hawk. Even harassing it can get you in trouble. It is only doing what it naturally does..hunt prey for food. No stopping nature. You can take the feeders down for a while, once the hawk figures there are no easy meals it will move on. When the hawk leaves the area you can put the feeders back up. If the hawk returns you may have to keep the feeders down indefinitely. Are the feeders in a relatively safe place? If they are out in the open, move them closer to someplace the birds can escape if the hawk is around.

Answer 3

I don't know what type of Hawk your talking about but I had the same problem with sparrowhawks coming after my pigeons, I've observed that crows scare them.

So if you could some how attract crows I doubt they would come. But on the other hand I'm unsure if crows scare the other birds as well??

Answer 4

I put up fishing lines all over the front yard, it prevents the hawk from making an unimpeded dive bomb. I havent seen the hawk now for two years.

Answer 5

Call your local zoo. They will surely have ideas of legal ways to deter the hawk, while still keeping the feeder available to smaller birds.

Answer 6

It's coming there because the small birds are there. You are attracting it because you attract the small birds with food. If you want it gone, you have to get rid of the small birds.

Answer 7

get rid of your bird feeder ?? can't have your cake and eat it too, i guess. actually, i think that would be pretty freakin' cool to have a hawk around.....but that's just me.

Answer 8

well this may sound mean but a friend of mine had the same problem ... either take down the bird feeder ... or spray the hawk with a hose ...