An Average Hawk.

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We really wanted an average sort of hawk. Not a dumb hawk and not a really intelligent one either.

But, according to hopes concerning the fishing line hawk barrier, it would not be so. Michael came up from chores late the next evening, after returning from a boy scout merit badge outing, and announced, "I think we have a dumb hawk."

We'd lost another chicken.





Apparently the sight of fishing line glistening dangerously in the daylight did not deter this hawk from obtaining another dive-thru chicken tenders meal. However, it is clear from the damage that his departure was not so quick and easy as he had expected. Instead of one small pile of a few feathers, this time there were several piles of a lot of feathers, indicating that the hawk had hit the ground roughly in several places in it's attempt to find another exit.






There were several areas of broken fishing line, with feathers stuck to them, as well.













It's clear to see that this hawk had a surprisingly difficult time escaping and was probably unhappy about it. The fishing line that was broken on the ground was all tangled up, so he likely had to deal with that. I'd have been much happier if I'd found the chicken, revealing that the hawk had decided escaping was his number one priority and not getting out with that chicken; a lesson learned. But no dice.

So we have a hawk in training. Either we are training him that dive-thru chicken tender meals cost more than he is willing to pay, or we are training him to persevere. Michael and I had a discussion on whether to go buy wildlife netting, which I located at Lowe's and would cost us about 50 - 75 dollars in addition to needing to build supports for it, or to redo the fishing line where it was broken. He just could not make up his mind. So I made the executive decision to see if the line trouble was enough to discourage the hawk for good. It may cost us another chicken, but I'm hoping to save the money as it is pretty tight these days.

We are not getting as many eggs, due to the stress of the hawk hunting going on in the chicken yard. I can only imagine the terror of chickens running for their lives as this hawk careens about, bashing into one side and then the other. Kind of like a Japanese Godzilla movie, for chickens.

I hoped yesterday we'd have more time to work before the rain started up once again, but we finished tying line while it was raining. My dad brought by some bags of lawn clippings for our compost pile and we spent the rest of the morning in the house. I worked on sewing vests for the civil war costumes. Then we were gone for the rest of the day doing Michael's home school swim team, visiting friends, and going to Bible study.

Keeping you updated on Hawk Tales.

Faith

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Plans Often Change on the Farm...

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And today is going to be a perfect example.

What I have not mentioned is that I believe we have some hawks who have been taking some of our chicks. Two have gone missing this week, no sign of them anywhere.

Raptors are incredibly beautiful birds. God certainly knew what He was doing during creation. And it is illegal to kill them. That's a problem when they decide to set up housekeeping within diving range of a flock of chickens.

So for the last few days we've kept all the chickens locked inside the chicken coop, until my brain could come up with some sort of solution. Not easy. We have a large yard so the hens have plenty of room to run around and forage. It is also near quite a few trees.

As we worked outside, we could hear the beautiful cries from the hawks. I hoped we'd continue to be lucky and not have to deal with it, because once they decide to eat at your place, you'll lose 1 or 2 day until the flock is gone.

Guineas can help. I used to have them, but they can also be problematic as well. Very noisy, and don't stay home all the time. It can be hard to get just one or two, as ordering has to be done in bulk so the keets survive without a heat lamp by group cuddling.

But just now, searching the internet, I have found something I am going to try today.

Fishing Line Deterrent

Faith

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December 30, 2008 ~ Fishing!

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Buying salad greens is really expensive. I often get the bagged ones because I"m so pressed for time. So if they spoil, it's a really horrible expense. I find they last many time longer if I let them air dry, spread out on paper towels before I store them.



Then I put them into containers that are lined with paper towels. Makes a huge difference. I tried the special bags, but I'm just not into washing bags out. LOL



The neighbor stopped by and picked up Michael to go to a local fishing hole. Here they are cleaning their catch.



Catfish and bluegill.



Thinking I'm not a huge catfish fan...
Faith
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