Right in the middle of hawk migration??

[Jeff Eubanks]

Over the past 3 weeks I have lost 5 yb's to copper hawks. Then yesterday I saw 3 at one time flying over my cages. So I did some surfing to day and found some info about the blueridge moutain flyway. I'm not far from the blueridge mountains, so that could be the reason for all the action here at my house. And from what I found out today it could last on thru the first of November.

I don't have but 19 birds left. So they want be out for a few more weeks.I don't race right now, don't have enough time to train, but I love to fly them here at the house. So I'll wait a few more weeks to wacth them fly again.

[TerriB]

Good idea to check on-line for the hawks' schedule and lock down to protect your birds. I never get to see my birds fly free because of the high number of resident hawks. Last month while sitting in the bleachers watching a BMX demo at the fair, we looked across the valley and saw about two dozen pigeons doing some loft flying. It was so cool! Although it was too far for us to hear, it was obvious when they heard the 'dinner bell' - they all went swooping down and disappeared into the trees. Hopefully, it won't be long before your flock will be out and about!

[lawman]

If your in the middle of the migratory path like you said and your don't race or anything. Your absolutly right, give them a few weeks before you let them out again. Then watch the sky if they are still in the area hold off for another week or so after that. other wise they will continue to use your loft as a feed bin, (so to speack) if you keep them in they will go elsewhere to find food and hopefully leave the area in the process.

[WhiteWingsCa]

Migratory hawks have been an issue for us lately too. We had next to none all summer -- and in the space of 5 days, had 3 hawk attacks.

One of my best hens is now in the 'hospital' ward in our loft, with talon marks in her neck, and a broken leg.

We don't appear to have lost any birds in the loft attacks - but it's possible that's why we're missing a few from the last few training tosses.

Lofts are pretty much in lock down now for a couple of weeks too. We're pretty sure that the hawk(s) have moved on now - as there are numerous blue jays at the feeder. Seems that when there is a hawk hanging about, the jays tend to hide a lot. In retrospect, the day the hen got grabbed, I hadn't seen many jays, and had heard the crows making quite a bit of noise earlier in the day.

I like hawks - but I don't like them near my babies!

[Skyeking]

Hi WhiteWings,

I'm sorry to hear about the hawk attack, I hope your little hen is well on her way to getting better.

I have also noticed that our wild birds are not around when hawks are near, but there is alot of chatter between the crows and other wild birds in the trees around the neighborhood.

I definitely know when the hawks have come directly overhead, as I hear the outburst of flapping wings as the birds rush for cover inside the coop. I will look out at our coops an there is not a single bird in the outdoor aviaries!

[re lee]

My brother inlaw called last night. Said a hawk kept his birds up about 4 hours yesterday. They were aloso flying very high To over come the hawk going after them. Hes in the south in LA< so some of the coopers have gotten there now. NOT many around here yet. BUT soon they will be herein numbers. Then its try to out think there timing mode for awhile. Problem is when the birds get up a cooper can spot them miles away. and here it comes. After a come back we now find the old hawk a problem agin. And I think this will be here to stay now. Might have to color breed the birds a little darker so they do not stand out as much in the sky. AND black birds Might make the hawk think its a crow or such at a far distance. Do not know. But I think some darker color breeding may help birds getting hit . AND solid loft training where the birds fly land and trap. As its easy pickings when the birds sit the loft the old cooper just drops and grabs a bird there easy.

[joefi2]

I THINK ALL PIGEON PEOPLE SHOULD START RAISING [EAGLE,S ] WHEN YOU SEE THE COPPER HAWK LET THEM OUT AND CHACE THE COPPER,S GIVE THEM A BIT OF THEIR OWN MEDICINE ,AND GET RID OF SOME OF THEM COPPER,S THEY GOT 5 OF MY BIRD,S THIS YEAR,,:

[re lee]

Well one good thing about nature is we need to learn to live with it. The coopers are not singleing out the birds. They have to hunt to eat. Its there nature. Sure it sad if they take the birds. But its food to them. We as pigeon keepers have to set up methods where our birds are not the lunch menu . As the coopers until some other method comes along will continue to breed and more will be around. I guess today for flyers its a risk that has to be met. I still wonder if the darker colored birds will be hit less. If so I suggest breeding a daker colored bird. Just a thought.

[lawman]

Maybe your on the right track; raise Eagles or Red tail hawks along with our homers and that will keep the hated Coopers away!

More seriously though, even the larger birds of prey will take out a pigeon given the chance. they just arent manuverable enough to follow all the twists and turns of a pigeon. especially if the pigeon see's them coming. the Cooper however, can follow a pigeon almost turn for turn. then to top that off, for short distances the Cooper even has more speed.

If the Cooper doesn't catch your bird in the first 100yrds or so he won't. he cannot maintain the speed neccesary to catch them.

I use hawk balls, and owl statues on the roof to cause the Coopers to stay aloof and not come in close. make sure you periodically move these around or the Cooper will become used to them and wont shy away.

It won't help your birds when they are ranging, but up close to the loft it will give them a chance to get away.