killing

[shaking]

I have just witnessed a sparrow hawk swoop down and kill a little tit having it's lunch in the garden, I found this very distresssing and something I don't want to see again. Is there a way of getting rid of the hawk (other than shooting it) or do I stop feeding the birds on the open lawn?

[Carrac]

shut your blinds!!!

[woofgang]

yup, put the food in nooks and crannies, under branches and so on where the hawk can't get it, also darling pussy cats can't get the birds either...but seriously hawks have to eat too.....

[shaking]

thanks for your sensible answer woofgang.
Why do some of you take the micky at someone elses distress, it was horrible.

[grizzly bear]

I appreciate your distress but I am disturbed that you even thought of shooting the bird. It has as much right to eat as the tit.
You have got the best advice there though in not feeding the little birds openly.

[yogasun]

It is upsetting but then as woofgang says that is the law of nature - sparrowhawks live by predating on smaller birds.
They are magnificent birds themselves. Personally I find it more upsetting when a cat kills a bird.

[SpamBammer]

or super glue them

[alfieblue]

Dear shaking - I agree with woofgang and yogasun. It happens, its nature. Try not to dwell on it, tho it is hard, I know.

Take no notice of the other comments!!!

[shaking]

thanks alfieblue, nice to know there are some feelings out there. nature is wonderful but cruel at times.

[alfieblue]

Sorry - apologies - meant to say some of the comments. :o)xx

[alfieblue]

Oh yes, nature is wonderful but can be so cruel - however - its the law of nature and these things happen. The wildlife have to survive and sometimes you see it on your doorstep, so to speak. It is upsetting, I know.

Take the advice from the other good people who have answered you - hopefully the wee birdies will be safe and the hawk will go elsewhere for his dinner. :o) xxx

[eyeshade]

Yes I have seen this too. Also the Jay and Magpie in the last few weeks. The tits are weeny at the moment and very vulnerable. Mr Blackbird swooped down and attacked the Jay last week as he was approaching fairly porky baby blackbird, but what a squeel came out from the Jay, shame as we don't see that many in the garden but can have the babs attacked!!!
Must tell you though Shaking, if it helps, we had in our garden last Sunday:
baby blue tits, great tits, spadgers, (lots), blackbirds, Dunnocks, wren, and the best one, woodpecker.
It was great day and also Mrs Blackbird who we had not seen for weeks turned up with a new pair of babies, two litters in two months!!

[LoftyLottie]

I too agree with Yogasun and Alfie. I often see Sparrowhawks taking small birds in my garden. They too have to eat or feed their young. Anything that is natural doesn't distress me too much (although I don't particular enjoy witnessing it). I actually feel very priviledged that I have Sparrowhawks visiting - they are beautiful birds.

Woofgang is right, put the bird food out in more hidden areas and the hawks will have more trouble getting to your
smaller bird visitors.

I'm sorry you got some stupid answers to a sensible question.

[lajohn]

survival of the fittest.

[LoftyLottie]

lajohn is right. It may sound harsh, but that's how nature works. Don't forget birds lay lots of eggs, some don't even get to hatch, other young birds never make it out of the nest and,of those that do, lots get eaten by predators. But nature balances is all out and those that survive are usually the fittest.