Bird Watching: bird feeders and hawks, 1 by gazergirl

gazergirl wrote:
You might consider feeder placement and type of feeding system. I have several feeders hanging under the canopy of small evergreen trees right in front of my kitchen window. They are both caged feeders (one suet, one seed) for my small birds. It is very rare that a hawk will enter this area, but it has happened twice. My other feeders are located near trees and brushy cover. I have also moved away from large hopper feeders, to tube feeeders with little to no tray underneath. This has discouraged flocks of birds (big hawk attractor) and has reduced sitting time on the feeder, which would make a bird more vulnerable. Finally, my open feeders (not under canopy) are on shephard's hooks, which would make it harder for a hawk to swoop in and snatch up prey. I noticed last winter that hawks seemed to be showing up around the same time each morning (9:30-10:00), and was advised that they like to soar on thermals and begin hunting when the morning heat begins. So I became more vigilant and hung out more in the yard at that time. My hawk problems have diminished greatly. Hope this helps. Pictures attached are:
1. This Cooper's hawk was a problem last winter.
2. Caged seed feeder under the privot canopy.
3. Trayless seed feeder, on shephard's hook with imm. RH woodpecker in back.
4. Caged suet feeder under privot canopy w/ juvie bluebirds.