Can't say what kind of hawk it is but it could be a young one that hasn't achieved adult coloration yet. Young hawks tend to be bolder than adults and that may be why you could get so close. He may also have been invading the redtail's territory and that's why they were so upset. Just a thought.

Alan: I think you were asking where exactly I was...I'm in Dinuba.

@Nicholas C. - I'm looking for a variety. I've asked which cacti produce fruit and I get mixed responses. Some say a lot of them do, but not all of them taste good to the general public, and some say only a few cati fruit and that they all come from the same family. I've tried dragon fruit, prickly pear, and Peruvian apple before but that was long ago, and I recall liking them. I think any fruiting cactus would be nice though, hopefully what I don't eat will attract birds. I've tried one home depot and one Wal-Mart and they told me that they didn't have any fruiting cati. If possible, I'd love to know where you saw them specifically. I'll check out the other Wal-Marts and Home Depots in my area though, thanks.

My cat was attacked by a coyote last year. In all fairness, he had been a indoor/outdoor cat all his life, coming and going as he wished and had fully developed 'street smarts' that had served him well for almost 15 years. But I think age affected his agility and made him more vulnerable than if he were in his youth. Thankfully the dog was there as well and raised the alarm and I intervened before any damage....other than shaken nerves........was done. He recovered fine and remained an indoor cat until he passed just this week from old age. I will eventually get a new kitten but this one will be raised to be an indoor cat from the start. I live alongside a greenbelt and the risk of coyotes is just too great. I even have concerns about my dog out after dark but he is never allowed to run loose and is only out for a couple of minutes to do his business and immediately returns to the door. And I keep watch while he is out :-) Earlier this summer there was a report of a young boy walking his dog at a local park that was being shadowed by a coyote. He saw it, picked up his dog and high tailed for home but the coyote continued to follow and actually nipped at his pant legs. Not sure what the resolution was but I know wildlife/animal control was looking to catch it. Bob, your neighbor is right to be concerned about her Yorkie.....that would be nothing more than a mouthful for a coyote!! My old tom cat was twice the size at least of any Yorkie. And a fighter too. He managed to give the coyote a run for his money!