Since it has been getting chillier as the days go by, I notice that my little birds are eating a lot more. Also, they have been showing up to brunch with friends. Needless to say, I’ve had a full house and because of this the birds have been very loud. Yes, these gatherings seem almost out of control but I love all the activity throughout our yard. From brunch to happy hour these birds are nonstop. The only downside is that they are attracting party crashers and stalkers! We will refer to the latest as Man Bird.
Man Bird happens to be the largest red tailed hawk I have ever seen. He literally looked like a man inside a bird suit perched up high in the eucalyptus tree creeping through the branches. I have seen him about 4 times now and I still don’t have the perfect shot. What happens is that I freeze when I see him. It’s almost like I think he could scoop me up and that would be that lol. Seriously though, As you can see in the photo of Man Bird lurking from the tree that he is actually wider than the tree trunk. I’m guessing that he eats dogs, cats and large animals and maybe people. The Mockingbirds have dive bombed him a few times now and my heart sank into the pit of my stomach as I watched and called for them. My brave little birds. I call my Mockingbird crazy all the time and this just confirms. Little do they know, they are simply Michael Mina appetizers to Man Bird. I’m positive they wouldn’t begin to satisfy a shred of hunger. So I just watch Man Bird and hope that he steers clear of my yard. Again, a finch, dove, sparrow, or Albert’s Towhee is not going to cut it. Nor will I so I hope Man Bird moves onward.
Really though this just goes back to safety and making sure your birds are safe from the elements and that they have cover, shelter and are aware of their surroundings. I keep my feeders out of sight and you cannot see them from any tree or location for my birds safety. This is also a reminder that when you feed your birds make sure to keep an eye out for predators both in the air and on the ground to ensure your special feathered friends are safe and feel safe to return again.