I vote libertarian, Obama was running on the democratic party ticket so he did not get my vote or my support. My concern for raptors is not based on their majesty h as their utility. Wolves and mountain lons as predators are very effectively replaced by man, raptors that have been driven out of any given area have not been effectively replaced by anything. Also do you think the conservation officer is going to be making decisions based on his sensibilities? I suspect that they will make their choices based on the population data that exsts regardng the species of hawk that is giving you the problems. With mammal species large litters can be produced, because of the realities of flight raptors can only have a few offspring and very few young birds make it to adulthood. Raptor populations can be very vulnerable, and we need them. Your attitude of "nothing matters if they are hurting my livestock" is a reckless one, one that on a whole has really damaged a lot of livestock. Look at the tragedy of the commons, or the depletion of fish stock. No one did those things with the intention to destroy their livelyhood, it was done because what is best for everyone is seldom a matter of each one of us doing what is best for ourselves. Shared resources must have access restricted, not completely but to a reasonable degree. The attitude that that restriction is unreasonable prevents a Nash equilibrium from emerging and prevents everyone from being sucessful. I am not telling you to not kill the hawk, I am telling you that you need to follow the laws, incompetence of local law enforcement aside. The Bald and Golden eagle protection act is about majesty, but the other acts regarding destruction or capture of hawks are based on ecology.

I don't know why, but the last 2 times in as many days that I've tried to respond on this thread, my comment has just disappeared into the Bermuda Triangle or something. Today, from inside my house, I heard the same screaming. Stepping out on my front walk, I could tell it was up in my pine tree. Look as I might, I could not see the hawk, but there was a ton of noise and commotion up there. I think I saw some grackles and some bluejays hoppping around, and I still wasn't positive there was even a hawk up there, despite the screams (not being a bird expert, I don't know the calls for certain). I thought maybe it was the blue jays screaming. This time I had the camera. i took a step onto the grass under the trees to aim for a better vantage point, but before I could do anything else, a HUGE (wide wingspan) bird flapped out of the tree, away from me and my house, and flew off into the distance. With him flew at least two smaller birds (same as last time). He didn't seem to be chased by them. They seemed to be companions? wingmen? LOL I dont' know. Anyway, I stupidly was trying to turn on my camera although it was already on and I didn't get a picture. I'm marvelling at the fact that this large bird can hide itself in the trees so well. This is the second time I was certain of it's location in a particular tree but still could not see it. Anyway, I think it's pretty cool!

You can't disturb a nest once it has eggs in it. If you at all prevent a hawk from raising it's young, it's called a 'take'. The hawk may or may not abandon the nest and the young may or may not get the food they need to grow and if any of the disturbance is your doing, US Fish & Wildlife will be secretly filming you and trying to build a case. Many people get on a 'witch hunt' over hawks and 'their rights'. It's a small minded neighborhood thing because many view the hawks now as cool thanks to nest cams. My advice is to remove any tall trees that would be an ideal nesting site if budget allows, or make them unappealing before nesting season by paying a tree climber to add a fake racoon or fake owls that move, or other bright, big objects that move such as huge balloons with eyes, large shiny pinwheels with tape that flashes in the breeze. Add several so as to overwhelm the hawk as it first approaches it's old nesting area. It may not stop the hawk from coming to the area but may pursuade it to nest elsewhere. Just make sure that the type of hawk you're trying to encourage to move isn't considered endangered in your area. Your local game commission may have that information. A pic provided to them will be helpful. I know red shouldered hawks are becoming more scarce due to red tail hawks taking over good hunting and nesting grounds. Just check with your local authorities before taking any action.

Good to catch up with everyone! Summer is always a busy time here. Lots of visitors who want to go the the ocean, and that means the whole day. Then having something cooked so when we get back we can have dinner. When my son and dil are here with their 4 little ones, it is VERY busy, and it takes a few days of down time to catch up with chores, etc. I do try to keep up with some blog events, and today I posted pics of the kitchen improvements we did.. I will link it so you can look if you like..I know some of you asked.. Betty, Congrats! How wonderful! Hope your dh is doing well too! Mo, good thoughts for you! Hope all turns out well. Speaking of which, Jane was having some medical concerns too, so please have positive thoughts for her too! OA, that's great! What do you use to show movies? An outdoor projector of some kind? It plays dvd's?? Cool! That would be great for here at the beach pavilion..although we have gnat issues here.. No bugs at night by you? Mary Ruth, I thought you had moved already! I remember when you said you were taking a break from HTE and Wicker Chair to get ready for the move.. And how is Judith? I know you are good friends.. Jay, good to hear from you too...You have been busy! DD have a good trip to the US! I have never been to your fair country! NCNana, we do out share of babysitting too.. 8 yo gdau has been a cast since school got out, and she won't get it off till Sept. Terrible time to break your arm..roller blades..ugh! Luvs, so good of you to start this thread.. Lynne, best wishes for your dau..I will pray for her.. and thank her for her service for me! Here is a link that might be useful: Kitchen updates