hawks in area

[andinla]

I live near the beach in california and I have never witnessed hawks flying around until a couple of months ago. There are three of them. one is a coopers hawk the other two are smaller. I have pigeons that nest under my eaves that I love. So I spend much time watching to see where the hawks are and if my bird baby is in danger. I work at a school two blocks from my house and my co worker last week said come here I have to show you something, I knew it was going to be about the birds or the squirrels we feed. she took me to the larger playing field next to our site and said look, I saw a lot of feathers on the grass I said what happened. she said she was walking the kids to class in the morning and saw the hawk pinning down the brown pigeon on his back and was plucking him and eating him alive. she screamed at him and he picked the pigeon up and carried over across the street which my coworker followed him and threw a rock at him and he then carried him away, she said this whole time this poor pigeon was still alive. The kids saw this and freaked out. I love all animals and never thought I could or would say I really hate animals that kill this way . It would be different if it was quick and fast but its not. All the birds around my house are in fear everyday. I know when the hawks are searching for food because the crows all 30 plus of them chase the hawks around town. I would like to know if anyone out there knows why hawks are here and is it possible that someone is releasing them here.?? I know its illegal to harm a hawk, but if anything happens to my pigeon baby I don't know what i will do. He eats out of my hand and spends time with me in the garage when im on the computer , he walks right by my cat and they both look up and stare at me. like whens dinner. He has raised several babies on my roof. the last ones are scared of the hawk and have come back to their nest which he wont let back in . they sleep out on the roof near the edge of the eaves. why won't he be nice and let them in.? i also saw him pecking at them on the back of their necks . one more questions what can i do to scare the hawks away and keep the birds safe. any advice would be appreciated. Andi in LA

[Abby]

Oh no! The reason the hawk won't let him in is cause
1.His territory or
2.Your going to have hawk babies soon
How you can scare them really depends on whats legal in your state. And you must be very careful not to hurt them. I would take a hose (low pressure)or a spray bottle filled with water and spray them. We get some baby hawks to rehabbilitate, and its not easy! So make sure there are no babies there. WARNING: If you get a hawk who has babies or a very aggresive hawk. They WILL attck. So be careful.

[Pigeonpal2002]

You already have part of your answer to detour the hawks....CROWS. Try to attract as many as you can to the area or your house. Crows HATE hawks and if there are enough crows around, the hawks should leave the area.

[AZWhitefeather]

Good morning Andinla & Welcome to Pigeons.com,
I'm fairly new to learning about pigeons, however quickly have become 'hooked'. I was told there are certain times of the yr. that hawks are more prevalent.
Are the children doing OK after witnessing such a horrific event?
You mention how slow the hawk's kill procedure is. Have you ever witnessed a feral cat or household cat for that matter attack a bug, etc., & tear it apart. They are much happier when the poor victim is still 'moving'. Unfortunately, that is their nature. Doesn't make it right or any easier in our eyes, however is reality.
About your little pij that has been refused access to the nest. After babies leave, some pigeons will not allow them to return. Since he does stay around your place, do you have any type of cage you could fix up to be used as his 'own' apartment? He will at least have somewhere safe to go at night.
Please keep us updated on your situation.
Cindy

BTW: Aren't they just the most fun when they follow you around? So little, yet such big hearts.

[andinla]

I have made several apts for the birds we have several eaves on the house and two are being occupied and two are open. the ones that occupied face the north and the ones still open face west. The two babies that are full grown actually will try to get back into their old nest for an hour at sundown and their dad drives them away on every attempt. Infact I never knew baby was so mean. well not to me any way. He has his way with me, and personality plus. I am so worried the hawk might get , yes I have built several boxes and stuffed them under the eaves even in front of the eave where there dad wouldn't see them but they haven't taken to it yet. last night they slept on the side of the box only a few inches of room but their dad can't see them there so that s where they stay. As for the crows this town has a population of humans 16,000 and I think just as many crows. They were dive bombing the hawk the day he got the pigeon and he went about his business. I have seen them drive the hawk away from my house many times. I actually watch little birds staying right next to the crows and flying next to them for protection.. they are a great warning of danger for all the birds around here. Baby just flew in to say hello, so I must say a few words. thanks everyone I thought i was the only pigeon nut and i am happy to know i am not alone. Andi