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Where raptors go to die ... ???

21 years ago

I have a friend near Harrisburg PA who's neighbor found a huge spotted hawk dying under a bush in his yard on Sunday. I guess that the forest behind their homes would be a place the hawk would be fearful to rest to die. It came into the neighborhood, and went under a big bush. But, while walking their dogs, the dogs quickly checked it out, and the bird was discovered, near death.

Can anyone add anything to this? My friend had seen them flying around on New Years Day in the neighborhood. (One of the homeowners recently got a tiny Yorkie puppy!) This is kind of frightening to the people who live there.

Thanks!

And .. HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

~Elke44 ;)

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Comments (5)

John_Blakeman
21 years ago
First, the hawks flying around aren't after anyone's dog. They want to eat mice, voles, or small birds. It's not a concern.

The bird under bush didn't "go there to die." It went there for protection, and because it could no longer fly. Hawks dont'go to someplace to die. They try to stay alive as safely as they can. When you can't fly, you have few alternatives to go to except under a protective bush (if you're a hawk).

Most hawks die in their first year. Only one out of five (on average) is able to make it through the first winter. That's normal. Nature produces a lot more hawk offspring than can possible survive. Only the best do, and this specimen, sadly, was one that didn't make it.

If the birds seen flying "around the neighborhood" are dashing through the trees, you have Cooper's hawks, searching for a feeder-drawn dickey bird for lunch. If the birds are large and circling above, they are probably red-tails.
Elke44
Original Author
21 years ago
Thank you VERY VERY much! Will pass this along from CO to PA! Bless you for your reply ... and for loving the birds!

~Elke44
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Elly_NJ
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The bird was most likely hit by a car and could not fly.

It would be nice to take such an animal to a rehab center rather than just leave it there. A rehab center may revive it (I've done that with birds that seem near death but are actually in shock) or humanely euthanize it. In fact, I think there is a link on te Bird Watching Forum telling people what to do with injured birds.

It's not kind to leave an animal "to die" because that may take days and is a horrible way to die. Your friend cannot tell if the bird is "old" because most hawks cannot be aged after their second or third year. The "old and twisted and abused beak" was possible an injury?

Regarding the little dogs: Best to keep them away from an injured raptor on the ground and seek help for the bird.
Elke44
Original Author
21 years ago
Thanks, The next day, they looked for the bird, and it was gone. The homeowner searched the woods behind the houses, and still found nothing. I hope it flew away!

"Hope is a thing with feathers
That perches in the soul ....
And sings the song, without the words ....
And NEVER stops, at all!"
dakster
21 years ago
Interesting post....

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