Yes, indeed, poor thing. We had taken out the screens in that window but put them back up so that if a bird hits the bottom part, they have a bit of a 'cushion.' Trouble is the screens are only at the bottom, there's plain glass up above. I do think, however, that most of hits we've had have been on the bottom. Swainson's thrush...hmm, my bird book shows it to be brown. Size is probably right. We're tried various decals for the windows esp. that window since it's not too far from a feeder and right now there are several dogwood trees heavy with berries. But nothing seems to work. Ideas? One thing...I saw the bird hit and it did not hit straight on but came in from the side almost as if it was seeing its shadow and attacking. Thanks for your help. I think I saw another bird of the same type and have my outdoor camera set up to try to catch a picture of it. Linda...

I have a neurological disorder that prevents me from retaining information. I knew that wasn't a Finch, and I know what a Waxwing is. I was just so distraught I came here immd and posted. I guess they just saw the trees on the other side. Anyway finally, after about an hour, they were gone. So I'm telling myself they survived. I just hate to see any animal struggle or suffer. Plus I've been waiting on them to come; the new neighbors chopped down all the trees next door, and I'm sure that spooked them. I added a few feeders and they're slowly coming back. But I don't want them returning like that! And they're such beautiful birds. Ok, I'll check out the link, and thanks very much for the replies.

Thank you MQuinn. I imagine you are right about the type then. The yard is terribly uneven and that is one if the things we (probably *I*) need to address. With 3/4 of an acre there is no way will the hubs use anything but his riding mower, but I did inform him after the initial advice from the responses that he should be mowing lower to let light get to it, as opposed to what we previously were doing). I am trying to get him to understand that more perrenial beds means less mowing and kess work for him. That battle wages on. I can probably get away with mowing our front lawn with a push mower, but the rest is just too big and he will need (and want) to use the riding mower. After I get those tests completed I will know if I should add compost, wait then add sand or just go straight for the sand. I am betting it could use some compost first, but I could be very wrong about that. We can lower the mower and I can ask him to mow more slowly so that he can adjust the height as needed to accommodate for the high spots. Not for all of them, I know that, but the bigger areas. Or with Bermuda, can he scalp it to help level it? I am guessing that would be -you know what -on the mower blades. It's new, so they are still steadfastly in love with one-another.

Juvenile Cooper's hawk ... the "teardrop" feathers on the chest are the key. Adults have crosswise rusty barring. Sharp-shinned hawks are smaller with a squared-off, strongly banded tail. ================ Bird feeders create a buffet for predators as well as the seed eaters. And a hawk's gotta eat. Make them work harder. Make sure the birds have plenty of close bushes to hide in whilke waioting and after feeding or bathing. Put the feeders where a predator can't sit on a nearby power line or branch and swoop down. Give the feeder some overhead screening. from a branch or arbor.