Photo: Russell Bates, December 18, 2014. (Click on photos to enlarge.)
We often let our chickens out of their pen
to run around and forage; they seem to have a great time and always act
very proud of themselves. We knew it was a risk, because we often hear the hawk screeches all along the Red Car property. But we decided to live dangerously.
Well today, our (or Patsy's, really) luck ran out. I heard the chickens making a big ruckus and went outside to see what was going on. As I got to the coop a big startled hawk flew off gracefully, leaving carnage behind. I guess I should be glad the hawk decided to stop and eat instead of going on a long killing spree.
Photo: Russell Bates, December 18, 2014. The culprit appears to be a very large Red Tailed Hawk.Photo: Russell Bates, December 18, 2014.
The hawk hung around for a while in a tree across the street, hoping I'd leave the buffet out. No such luck.
So, fellow neighborhood poultry keepers, be forewarned. The hawks enjoy finding something that REALLY tastes like chicken.