FreeLists / birdky / [birdky] Re: Backyard Harassment

["Roseanna Denton" <roseanna@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I'm having the same problem as Scott with a resident male Cooper's Hawk. 
Yesterday I heard a thump on the window; I went to check and found a male Downy 
Woodpecker, that appeared stunned, lying on the porch. When I started to pick 
him up he flew up and started across the yard; but was grabbed in mid-air by 
the hawk. The hawk doesn't seem to mind my presence.

The Downy was likely at the peanut feeder hanging on the porch approx. 4-5 feet 
from the window. I had been suspecting that was happening; but that's the first 
time I've witnessed it. I plan to move the peanut feeder to a different 
location.

Birding smiles . . . . . 

~Roseanna Denton
Science Hill, Pulaski County  
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Bryant, Rhonda 
  To: birdky@xxxxxxxxxxxxx 
  Sent: Friday, February 22, 2008 10:13 AM
  Subject: [birdky] Backyard Harassment


  I am not sure if I am doing the birds I am feeding a favor or not. They are 
continually being harassed, and no doubt eaten, by a female sub adult Cooper's 
and an adult male Sharp-shinned, as well as two neighborhood cats. And then 
there is the White-throated that did itself in on the back glass; likely 
attempting to escape one of the fore mentioned. 

  I have been feeding some black walnut kernels that have gotten old; tossing a 
few a day. The resident Mockingbird has decided they are his/hers. It is rather 
interesting that it swallows whole no matter what the size. Clearly a full gut 
is the important factor and not taste fulfillment.  

  Scott
  Lexington, KY
  smarsh@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx