If it was a Harris Hawk, then your small dog or cat would be at risk.
We did have a Harris Hawk visit us a long time ago. The local RSPCA were very interested and urged my wife to try to keep it occupied while they turned up. Suggested raw steak etc. We had a Bichon Frise at the time (two actually, but the bitch was much more sensible than the dog and made herself scarce while our visitor sat in a tree), which was quite stupid and barked at the Harris Hawk, unwisely in my wife's opinion, as it must have looked just like a small lamb to the bird, and Harris Hawks have, as google told us later, a fondness for small lambs.
So, I think the people in the article were right to be a bit nervous of the bird. After all, modern birds are just feathered small T Rex
"If it was a Harris Hawk, then your small dog or cat would be at risk."
VERY small, yes. Rabbits are their largest prey. Very unlikely to tackle a lamb, though interestingly, they are the only bird of prey known to hunt in a group.
"...probably as anti seagull/pigeon weapon."
That's a lot more likely than a hobby austringer, actually. I hope it's owner found it.
It's not much fun when one of those raptors has a go at raking your scalp!
ReplyDeleteOMG. Snowflakery is catching! What is the matter with people these days? No gumption?
ReplyDeleteIf it was a Harris Hawk, then your small dog or cat would be at risk.
ReplyDeleteWe did have a Harris Hawk visit us a long time ago. The local RSPCA were very interested and urged my wife to try to keep it occupied while they turned up. Suggested raw steak etc. We had a Bichon Frise at the time (two actually, but the bitch was much more sensible than the dog and made herself scarce while our visitor sat in a tree), which was quite stupid and barked at the Harris Hawk, unwisely in my wife's opinion, as it must have looked just like a small lamb to the bird, and Harris Hawks have, as google told us later, a fondness for small lambs.
So, I think the people in the article were right to be a bit nervous of the bird. After all, modern birds are just feathered small T Rex
Brian, the bird works for humans like you, probably as anti seagull/pigeon weapon.
ReplyDeleteIf Brian held lower left arm up parallel to ground with some food visible in right hand Mr Hawk would be his friend.
"It's not much fun when one of those raptors has a go at raking your scalp!"
ReplyDeleteYou'd get bigger scratches from your pussy!
"What is the matter with people these days? No gumption?"
More likely raised to believe 'the authorities' should deal with it.
"If it was a Harris Hawk, then your small dog or cat would be at risk."
ReplyDeleteVERY small, yes. Rabbits are their largest prey. Very unlikely to tackle a lamb, though interestingly, they are the only bird of prey known to hunt in a group.
"...probably as anti seagull/pigeon weapon."
That's a lot more likely than a hobby austringer, actually. I hope it's owner found it.