The hawks in my area have disappeared. Any guesses why? (2 Viewers)

[CreeDorofl]

I'm in a rural part of northern VA, near Bealeton. For several months, I could drive a certain stretch of road and I'd see hawks virtually every day, usually perched on a phone line by the road.

It wasn't just the same hawk over and over, it was a mix... red-shouldered hawks, occasionally a red-tailed hawk or cooper's hawk, and some kestrels.

Anyway, right around the start of spring, they just disappeared. I still drive this road daily, but I NEVER see a hawk perched by the side of the road anymore. Very rarely, I'll see some redtails circling.

Something to do with the season? They're all busy mating? It's too hot to hang out near the asphalt? Did they migrate somewhere? Are they still there and I just can't see them due to the return of foliage?

 

[fugl]

They're on their breeding grounds. They'll be back in late summer/fall after the young have fledged.

 

[CreeDorofl]

ah ok... cheers. I guess that makes sense. Will be cool to see them again in a few months.

 

[Boro Birder]

Yeah totally agree with fugi even though I'm a English Man

Damian

 

[Nutcracker]

The sad point of Boro Birder's comment is that, had this been in England, the disappearance of the raptors would almost certainly be due to them being shot or poisoned illegally by wealthy landowners who don't understand ecology.

 

[fugl]

The sad point of Boro Birder's comment is that, had this been in England, the disappearance of the raptors would almost certainly be due to them being shot or poisoned illegally by wealthy landowners who don't understand ecology.

That and pure bloody-mindedness, I would say. Ranchers here in the inter-mountain west give birds of prey a pass (for the most part) but shoot, trap or poison just about everything else.

 

[Allen S. Moore]

The sad point of Boro Birder's comment is that, had this been in England, the disappearance of the raptors would almost certainly be due to them being shot or poisoned illegally by wealthy landowners who don't understand ecology.

One law for the rich, one law for the rest of us.

 

[pete seaman]

The sad point of Boro Birder's comment is that, had this been in England, the disappearance of the raptors would almost certainly be due to them being shot or poisoned illegally by wealthy landowners who don't understand ecology.

I'm a bit late picking this up Nutcracker but you got that statement slightly wrong IMO . How can you picture many of our "new money" land owners up here in the North of England getting their hands on illegal poisons ? They simply order their keepers to do it and then if the keeper is caught it is he who ends up in court and,even if the punishment is a paltry fine,he is the one who has a criminal record that could show up on future job applications.Not saying all keepers are little angels but they do seem to cop it all for their "betters"

 

[Farnboro John]

I'm a bit late picking this up Nutcracker but you got that statement slightly wrong IMO . How can you picture many of our "new money" land owners up here in the North of England getting their hands on illegal poisons ? They simply order their keepers to do it and then if the keeper is caught it is he who ends up in court and,even if the punishment is a paltry fine,he is the one who has a criminal record that could show up on future job applications.Not saying all keepers are little angels but they do seem to cop it all for their "betters"

One's heart bleeds....

Speaking of which I hear Prince Harry is off to Africa to do some conservation work. Now if there is a role for a forward air controller or Apache gunner in anti-poaching then more power to him, but I hope no Chanting Goshawks drift across his sights - the light grey plumage and white rump will trigger his instincts......

John

 

[Carl Fletcher-Poole]

I have to agree with Nutcracker it does seem that in the last few months in the North of England reports of poisoned raptors has been on the increase. I thought they are supposed to be a protected bird?

 

[Nutcracker]

I have to agree with Nutcracker it does seem that in the last few months in the North of England reports of poisoned raptors has been on the increase. I thought they are supposed to be a protected bird?

They are protected, but the shooting estate owners and the employees under their command treat the law with contempt.

 

[pete seaman]

They are protected, but the shooting estate owners and the employees under their command treat the law with contempt.

They just reckon that the law does not apply to them only to us plebs of the lower classes.I'm afraid our local area seems to be the raptor equivalent of the Bermuda Triangle !!