Look what I found in my back patio

[MusicalFeathers]

My birds were enjoying their birdie bread when all of a sudden, Gonzo let out a warning cry which led to everyone freaking out and chaotically flying around my living room.
To my suprise, I found this guy out back in the patio area. Oh my god. That is the closest I have actually gotten into actually seeing one of these. I later realized there was a hole on the screen which Pepper busted through and that's how he got in. I quietly went out to shoot one photo before he knew exactly where to get back out.

Not a good thing to know they are coming so close.....don't worry. The screen is now fixed!

[Tom Lawless]

Your guys were smart to be afraid of that one. He is beautiful but I bet he's also quick. We have a hawk that hangs out on the church roof sometimes (keeps pigeons at a respectful distance) so I could never put my boys outside on a perch in their harnesses. They'd end up being a pre-pigeon snack.

[MusicalFeathers]

They sure are beautiful. I know they are a big threat but they also intrigue me so I was kinda happy to be able to get close enough to get a shot....but not happy he came close considering the safety of my birds...

[Halo]

Very beautiful!!

[KimM]

Oh my! We have a hawk in our nieghborhood here as well. My boys are bigger than the hawk, but when they are outside on the enclosed patio, Momma (me) is right there with them. The boys keep a very watchful eye on her.
They are beautiful and do serve a purpose in nature, just as our fids do. The good Lord would not have put all these beautiful animals with us if they didn't serve a purpose, even if ours are in captivity. LOL

[loyallyroyal]

hmm.. I wonder what type of bird of prey hangs around my house, I thought it was a hawk, but it would have to be like a hawk on steroids, its HUGE! But very pretty. Lets just say,. Dewey doesnt go outside, i swear, I think this think could take off with my dogs.

[guest1717171]

that is most definitely a beautiful bird!

i think thats so cool that your guys knew to sound the alarm just by seeing it outside
its neat that they still retain some things even though theyve been domesticated

there are a bunch of hawks here...they look HUGE
though ive never seen one up close
they're always circling overhead like buzzards lol

[red192]

great photo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! glad you got it!

[MicahEspudo]

I am guessing yours is a sharp shinned hawk:

http://www.birdsofwonder.com/sitebui...inned-hawk.jpg

Originally Posted by loyallyroyal

hmm.. I wonder what type of bird of prey hangs around my house, I thought it was a hawk, but it would have to be like a hawk on steroids, its HUGE! But very pretty. Lets just say,. Dewey doesnt go outside, i swear, I think this think could take off with my dogs.

Are you sure it couldn't be an eagle?

A lot hawks are also pretty big, especially buteos such as red tails. It may also be a ferruginous hawk which are close in size to an eagle... some people even classify them as eagles but they are just gigantic hawks!


Falcons are generally smaller. You can tell the difference between a falcon and a hawk by the way their wings are tipped. A falcon will generally have a pointed wing, and a hawk will generally have a rounded off wing.
http://www.wenita.co.nz/pix/falcon-hawk.gif

[xafsmom]

I used to date a falconer when I was in my late teens... I have a lot of appreciation for falconers... er I mean raptors! Yah.

That's a beaaauty!