Gudday!
We are priviledged to have had a close encounter with a Brown Goshawk. Although I doubt my chooks feel that way! We found our first chook dead, and were perplexed as to the cause of her demise... until the Goshawk returned for his kill! Startled into our enclosed duck pen, he could not get out, so we (carefully) caught him, took these pic and let him go. We had a few weeks respite then he returned and has killed 3 more of our bantams. Despite this he is a beautiful bird and I feel we are extremely lucky to have him in our area.
Adrienne
One Mile, Ipswich, Qld
Wow! What a beautiful bird!
I am sorry for your chickens
, but it is an amazing bird of prey
Is this the bird of prey that is commonly reffered to as the 'chicken hawk'?
Top shots up close, very nice : )
Nice shots ,a lot people would not have been as forgiving ,we have one who sometimes sits on to top of our chookyard and scares the bejesus out of the chooks but I think he is more interested in the sparrows.
Bantam protection would seem to be the order of the day, Adrienne. That way the Brown Goshawk can get its tucker elsewhere.
He's pretty stunning isn't he!
I think a chicken hawk is an American bird. Not sure, though!
Thanks saturnv78, we were very lucky!
They 'used' to be free range! Now they only get let out under supervision.
We've now moved them under the trees and put overhead protection up - they hate being so restricted but we've had no losses since we did. Also I probably will replace the bantams with bigger birds - he's shown no interest in them - our Orpingtons are about double his size!
Great close encounter!
I believe 'chicken-hawk' is used to denote various American Accipiter species, indeed in the same genus as the Brown Goshawk (A. fasciatus).
They are super shots Adrienne .... poor chickens but never the less, you did get a shot of the intruder and have dealt with it the best way you can.
Sunshine Coast Queensland
Thanks birdie!
We feel very priviledged to have held a wild raptor.
Here's a couple more...
They are awesome!!! Did he thank you for his meal? ...by the way , call me Adrienne ..... you wont forget my real name anyway
Sunshine Coast Queensland
Like Star Wars, he's the Bantam Menace.
Amazing photos .... well done to spare the goshawk.
I think he might be a immature bird from his colour. Every young goshawk deserves a second chance in life!
Thanks again Adrienne,
He thanked me by NOT trying to bite me, although I was careful to put gloves on before handling him!