predators vs my girl

[critterlover2]

Hello everyone, first let me say that I just came across this site 4 days ago, and I find it very informative and interesting.
Many circumstances led to my 'adopting' a 3 day old pigeon last April and her having become a 'house pet'.(actually part of the family) thru a lot of research I have learned that hawks are a big predator of pigeons and I found that out the hard way. My girl was out for a fly around the property when out of nowhere a Red tail hawk was hot on her tail. I was terrified and so was she. He kept her at bay for 30 min., and she finally made a mad dash for the front door, which was open for her. My question is, how long do the hawks winter in a particular area? We had absolutely no problems through the summer and now she is on 'house arrest'. How will I know when it is safe for her to go out again. I would die if something happened to her, especially if I let her out for exercise knowing the hawk is laying in wait.
Dinky and I await any advice.

[raynjudy]

Too Cool!

We've had a resident pigeon for five years, as of about 5:00 p.m. TODAY! His name is Bernie. If you'd like his story, let me know (comes with pics!)

I will research this hawk-thing for you and get back to you promptly. I have a hunch--but I'll confirm it for you. Meanwhile, house arrest is the only option.

My best to you and Dinky!

Got a picture?

--Ray

[critterlover2]

Ray,
thanks for your response, I'll await your answer, and until then, Yes, Dinky will remain on house arrest. She doesn't mind really, this is her home, but when the dogs go out she wants out so we have to watch the doors and make sure she doesn't get out.

Dinkys story is interesting,and I believe that she has had more air time with the video cam and the camera than our grandkids!
Unfortunately we do not have a digital camera or a scanner, but I would love to see the story behind Bernie! I have seen bits and pieces of it on this site, but would love to read his life story, by the way, 'happy anniversary/birthday' to you and Bernie, aren't they just fabulous creatures?

Thanks again Ray, much appreciated

[raynjudy]

Hawks are closely related to falcons. Some migrate, others do not. Redtail Hawks tend to hang around.

Some hawks choose one mate for the year. They tend to be solitary until mating season (March), when their elegant aerial dance can be observed. Males hunt while the female sets with the egg or chick. The Redtail Hawk
falls under this category.

Redtail Hawks occupy woodlands marshes and even city territories on occasion--one pair nested in New York City for a season.

Most raptors average a 50% kill ratio with aerial prey. A lone pigeon is an easy target, as the evasive maneuvers of the flock are not possible. The odds favor Dinky and the Hawk equally--she was very lucky! I would not roll those dice again.

--Ray

PS. Check your email

[critterlover2]

Ray

Thank you for your answers, this is not good though. I had hoped it was a Coopers hawk, but like I said, I'm almost positive it is Red Tail. He was VERY quick and determined.

Little miss thing will most definitly remain inside, besides I expect her to lay in the next day or so and after her second egg is laid, I let her set for about l0 days then remove them. They are never fertile, we candle them at 5 days then again at 8 or 9 days. Unfortunately the only mate she has ever wanted is my husband! She adores him, makes quite a fool of herself falling all over him
Again, thanks so much, keep our fingers crossed and hope he goes away in spring.

[ONEEYEPIGEON]

Just a little story of a similar situation i had encountered ,One morning i went out the back door to find A hawk on the grown with one of my pigeons in its claws , Before i could get there He had ate the breast of my beautyfull bird , Well dont get me wrong i reallise this is what the hawk does to sirvive .But the next morning i waited from 4am untill daybreak no sign of him , So the following day same thing i waited with shotgun in hand under a big pecan tree Than i couldnt believe it here he came and landed in the very next tree from me about 6 oam Right at daybreak No dont worry i did'nt kill this beautyfull Hawk but i put a good scare in him with buckshot about 3 feet behind him as he flew i let two more shots follow him ,You know i never have seen him again. But im always looking out my windows now . Its been about three weeks Thank God Walt.

[critterlover2]

Walt-

So sorry you had to witness the death of your precious little one I know that the hawks have to survive as well, mother nature, but I have to say I would probably still be out of my mind with grief. All of my babies in my clan, dogs to goats to chickens to Dinky, are my passion in life. I think they deserve nothing more than everything I can give to make them happy and safe...I wish so much for this big guy to go away, being in the country there is definitely other places for him to hunt, I don't think Dinky can withstand house arrest 'forever', she so loves to fly and flip around in the air, but her safety comes first I suppose, we'll see how it goes.
Again I am so sorry for your loss. How many pigeons do you live with? Any particular breed? Dinky is a city/ferel/street pigeon.

Have a happy day,thanks for your words.

[ONEEYEPIGEON]

Critterlover , First what a great name ,i love it wish i would of thought of it first.You sound alot like me on our farm we have goats chickens ginney's , ducks <--messy
I now have about 38-40 pigeons i started with one that was shot by a dove hunter here in louisiana they make gravy out of pigeons ,Dont worry im trying hard to put some sence in their heads . I have differnt kind s of pigeons because when i find some one who raise's them for food i try to bye all they have. One morning i found one on the cold ground in my coup i think a cat tryed to have it for breakfest it was so cold and hungry now its on top of my computer.Have had him for about ten days now . Oh well i better stop befor i bore you later. Walt { PS thanks for your kind words .}

[Pigeon_boy]

Hawks stay around in california for months they begin to come in september and live in here until April then they begin to leave again.

[critterlover2]

thanks for some hope pigeonboy, my Dinky is going stir crazy. She sits in the window sill in the am and stares out the window looking so forlorn, I feel so sorry for her, but that darned hawk is here every day! we both can't wait until he is gone.

[bigbird]

Hawks are a real problem for us here in the Northwest (Seattle area). Coopers and redtail. I used to fly kits of rollers and homers, until I lost so many that I determined that it was not worth the risk.
A cooper once came after my pet Lucky. She saw the hawk and went up. And up. The hawk gave up and left but Lucky now knows the score and is very cautious when we take walks during the summer months. Winter months Lucky is under house arrest. The hawks go North for the summer but exactly when will vary from state to state.
My suggestions....
1. Release your bird only during summer.
2. Release during the middle of the day, hawks usually are full by mid-morning.
3. Release in an open area so the hawk cannot make a sneek attack.

I have had Lucky for about 4 years now. I don't know what I would do without her. I am afraid to let her fly, even during the summer months. Every year I get more afraid that the previous year. I built her a large fly pen and now let her fly all year long. While this is very safe, I know that Lucky misses the long flights she once had as a young bird.
I love Lucky and she loves me. We have a good life. Somehow these facts outweigh the fly free issue for me.
I am sending you a copy of "Lucky In Love", the story of my pet pigeon.
Regards,
Big Bird (Carl)

[ONEEYEPIGEON]

My pigeon Snowflake has been in my house now for about six weeks and he is flying all over the house , He loves to take a bath in a pale of water , He or she im not sure yet .
Snowflake also loves to stay on my shoulder while im on the computer or watching tv.My wife's cat has his eye on him all the time might have to get the cat declawed mybe even deteethed LOL well just a update on Snowflake. Named by Ray bye for now Walt