We have a red tail hawk that has moved in to maraud the songbirds at our feeders. How to discourage it other than a 16 gauge? I don't want to shoot it, I know they are protected, and I cannot stand out there all the time with a broom like I did today. Any ideas?
Several, but like you said, "they are protected".
Are your feeders out in the open? Hawks have to have room to swoop. Maybe if there is enough cover around the feeders for the songbirds to hang out in and they don't have to get out in the open the hawk woudn't have as good a chance of getting them. Other than that I don't have any ideas except along the same line as Jo's.
I was really surprised to see this guy swoop down on the patio right outside out back door. I have a thistle feeder hanging from the willow tree there. The others are either hanging in the trees or are adjacsent to the crepe myrtle hedge. I was surprised to see this guy come so near the house. I went out with my broom yesterday and ran him off of the fence that surrounds the carport. I guess he expects me to supply him with bed as well as breakfast! >:( >:( I didn't see him today, but there weren't many birds about either, the weather was so nice. If the problem persists, I don't know if I will continue to feed.
***Looking around to see if anyones' within hearing range**
ssshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. ((((whispering))))).....(BB / Pellet Gun)
**tiptoeing back into the other room**