![photo IMG_4228-001_zpsnfdhq3nu.jpg](http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e374/moonsrainbow1/Garden%20Birds/Mobbed%20Hawk/IMG_4228-001_zpsnfdhq3nu.jpg)
The Daily Bucket is a place where people share their experiences in nature. When you comment about things you have seen in your backyard or neighborhood, you leave a record that can be used to document changes in populations, migrations, climate and other ephemera that is helpful in grasping the nature of the beautiful world we live in.
Pictures, please, we all like pictures here.
As I've mentioned a few times lately, we seem to be having an exceptional year with birds. All our nest boxes were used and we counted at least 6 regular nests somewhere on our little one acre property. I am absolutely certain there are more nests in the pines on the property line but I haven't been able to pinpoint them. Our feeders are emptied on a regular basis and I've been heckled by woodpeckers for not keeping up with the peanuts.
This abundance naturally draws predator birds who believe I have set up a feeding station for them, too. I do nothing to discourage them. They are as welcome at our home as the wrens and chickadees. Fortunately for the little birds, they are not common visitors but we do find the odd pile of mourning dove feathers or clump of rabbit fur.
![photo IMG_0062-001_zpse40ea17c.jpg](http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e374/moonsrainbow1/Garden%20Birds/IMG_0062-001_zpse40ea17c.jpg)
Sharp-shinned hawk a few years ago after missing a strike at the feeders
The most common of these visitors in my yard are the red-tailed hawks. I have seen them mating in the spring out in the woods bordering our land and watched the young ones chasing the parents around, begging, with those strange squawking cries. The adults are magnificent birds, easily identified by the red tail that gives them their name. The young ones are sometimes a little harder to identify as their tails don't turn red till they are grown.
![photo IMG_3751_zps35295993.jpg](http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e374/moonsrainbow1/Garden%20Birds/IMG_3751_zps35295993.jpg)
Red-tail Hawk from this past winter
For some reason, the rest of the birds in the area find the presence of these pretty creatures objectionable. They can be quite insistent about demanding their immediate departure. Quite persistent, too. Like for hours. The mid-sized birds, blue jays, red-wing black birds and the like, will often mob a raptor in an effort to convince it to go elsewhere at its earliest convenience.
They fly right at the hawk, which is at least twice their own size in most cases, dive bombing them with claws out. When not directly attacking the raptor, the smaller birds will sit nearby and scream. Loudly. Did I mention they will do this for hours?
In this way, I have been alerted to the presence of predator birds many times over the years. I keep hoping for an owl but so far I've still been fortunate to see red-tail, Sharp Shinned and Cooper's hawks several times. This past weekend, a juvenile red-tail hawk gave me an additional thrill. Pictures tell this best so suffice it to say I was extremely glad I had my camera handy and the battery was charged for once!
![photo IMG_4206-001_zpsdwlrepzr.jpg](http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e374/moonsrainbow1/Garden%20Birds/Mobbed%20Hawk/IMG_4206-001_zpsdwlrepzr.jpg)
Minding my own business . . . nice day . . .
![photo IMG_4209-002_zpsaw3tfnah.jpg](http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e374/moonsrainbow1/Garden%20Birds/Mobbed%20Hawk/IMG_4209-002_zpsaw3tfnah.jpg)
Oh, look! A neighbor! Howdy!
![photo IMG_4210-001_zpswjjedslp.jpg](http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e374/moonsrainbow1/Garden%20Birds/Mobbed%20Hawk/IMG_4210-001_zpswjjedslp.jpg)
Seems friendly enough . . .
![photo IMG_4215-001_zpsx3anvqxm.jpg](http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e374/moonsrainbow1/Garden%20Birds/Mobbed%20Hawk/IMG_4215-001_zpsx3anvqxm.jpg)
Another neighbor!
![photo IMG_4212-001_zpszwik0f22.jpg](http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e374/moonsrainbow1/Garden%20Birds/Mobbed%20Hawk/IMG_4212-001_zpszwik0f22.jpg)
Hmmm . . . shaking his tail feathers. Are we having a party?
![photo IMG_4217-002_zps0dnk6vjp.jpg](http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e374/moonsrainbow1/Garden%20Birds/Mobbed%20Hawk/IMG_4217-002_zps0dnk6vjp.jpg)
![photo IMG_4218-002_zpsgoqdx0oz.jpg](http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e374/moonsrainbow1/Garden%20Birds/Mobbed%20Hawk/IMG_4218-002_zpsgoqdx0oz.jpg)
Whoops! Guess not.
![photo IMG_4223_zps8dksszjs.jpg](http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e374/moonsrainbow1/Garden%20Birds/Mobbed%20Hawk/IMG_4223_zps8dksszjs.jpg)
Boy, you guys are grumpy!
Poor guy got tired of being scolded and harassed eventually and took off for quieter parts. He came back the next day and got the same treatment. I hope he doesn't develop a complex!
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