Red Tail Hawk

[susang]

I've got a 75 year old oak tree between the house and carport with plenty of squirrels running through it all day long. 30 minutes ago the biggest red tail hawk I have ever see swooped down under the canopy and managed to almost grab a squirrel that was on the roof. Luckily the squirrel managed to flee to the tree trunk, run down and hide under potted plants but...that hawk followed it down to the ground. I came around the corner yelling at it to scram and that bird just stood there giving me the most scornful look - it finally walked away to a clear spot, flapped those massive wings and took off. I'm sure he'll be back.

[lukaslolamaus]

Maybe you can hang some cd's or owl decoys to discourage the hawk.
I'm glad the squirrel got away.

[susang]

There are already three owls up there but the cd's sound like a good idea - I'll give them a try - thanks!

[frankc]

I am going through the same ordeal! I took two pieces of steel the green fence post type and started bagining them to geather while yelling and charging toward the Hawk. I have four of those birds that circle my yard so I am always on guard. I was told the best thing to use is a boat horn the kind in a can and to point it right at the Hawk. I guess they can feel the blast from the air horn if they are not real far away. Also if you have Crows, don't chase them off. Crows don't like Hawks and they will group up and chase the Hawk in the air. I actually saw it happen here at my house about two weeks ago. That Hawk was moving and the crows followed him until they were all out of sight. At first I did not like the crows being around that much, but now they are my heros and I give them treats so they keep coming back.

[Mialouise]

I have one hanging around too. I saw him snacking on a pigeon twice last week. I'm just hoping and praying he prefers pigeon to squirrel. I like the air horn idea! I live in an apartment building, I'm sure the neighbors would be thrilled about that. :rotfl

[BamaHam]

Hanging shiny objects and scarecrow. I have a pool and in the summer I had a swan or a flamingo float around. I had a 3 foot tall Elmo hanging on a pole outside in the back yard. I think that worked. Didn’t see any hawks.

[Diggie's Friend]

Air horns drive hawks right off within 20 to 25 ft when you aim it at them to .

It hasn't failed once to route a hawk ever.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/8-oz-Signal-Horn-11837-7/203950358

[stepnstone]

Bottle rockets are very effective!
Travels to them, explodes in front of them.
Don't have to be close, only takes one to deliver your message.
I've watched them drop feathers trying to leave the area so fast! :rolf

312898

[RockyPops]

I have a red tail, a ring tail and a smaller, mid-sized hawk from time to time. I fear the mid sized one most because he comes in the under story where the squirrels live. He's fast and agile and a strong flyer.

I watched him , on two separate occasions, run down a smaller bird that he just overcame with speed and determination.
He landed near a stump the other day where a chipmunk and a squirrel were eating sf seeds. I was within 35 feet or so of them.

Luckily they both escaped and I scared him off. Too close for comfort. And they give you that look, like you just spoiled my hunt stupid human.

[tgramsey]

A new hawk is hanging around here, too. In fact, my backdoor was open a few weeks ago on a particularly warm day. I heard banging around in my sunroom. Thought a little bird probably flew in, which happens now and again. Imagine my surprise when I found that big ol' hawk banging against the windows trying to escape. Got her out pretty easily. I just wrapped a coat around her and she was actually quite calm. I put her outside and she flew off. Later I thought I should've released her farther away. Beautiful creature, just don't want her near my backyard squirrels.
I actually keep a battery powered water gun outside - ready to go to scare away hawks. I don't see that many, but I've used it several times. A pop of cold water gets rid of them quick.

[island rehabber]

​If you can get a few of those Mylar silver birthday balloons and tie them around where the hawk hangs out, she will leave. They don't like shiny, flashy things. Even old CD's on a string, hung from branches, can work to scare them away. I put old CD's, shiny side up, on top of my release cages to keep the red-tails in our area (common as pigeons!) from sitting up there scaring everyone to death!

[LaShae1995]

Very interesting ideas I have a owl and hawk problem I will try the bottle rockets and cds. The squirrels won't be scared of the cds or anything will they? Would a fake owl help to protect the squirrels or cause them not to fear the figure of an owl? Thanks