[MichelleOhio]

I put up a new bird feeding station last Saturday and have since noticed a hawk (think it's a RTH) checking it out. Just a couple fly-bys until today when it landed in a neighbors tree. It didn't stay long, but it wasn't hanging out BEFORE I put up the feeders.

I have an eight pound Chihuahua and I've read that hawks have tried taking them, but usually find they are too large and drop them -- after already injuring them with their talons. These were smaller (5lb) dogs. My dog loves being outside with his big (60lb) sister and I would hate to have something happen to him.

Do they usually take larger prey? Do I have reason to be concerned?

[ceasar]

When I was a kid in rural NE PA we had a Rat Terrier that weighed about 6-7 pounds. My Dad often worried about a Hawk carrying him off. It never bothered me though. The dog was too tough. After he got rid of our infestation of Rats he enjoyed mixing it up with Groundhogs and had scars on his muzzle to prove it!

I wouldn't worry too much. A Red-tailed Hawk weighs about 2.5 lbs +/- on average and is much too small to carry your dog off. Although it could cause some damage trying to. Not to mention sustaining some damage to itself!

Also, the hawk you have seen hanging around your new bird feeder might be a Cooper's Hawk which is even smaller than a Red-tail. They like to check out bird feeders for potential prey.

Cordially,
Bob

[MichelleOhio]

Thanks, Ceasar. I'll try to get a picture of the hawk this weekend to get a better ID. Looked like a good sized bird, but that may be because he's hanging around where I usually see songbirds.