Hawk scares high flying Tippler pigeons

Washington Heights Pigeon Loft, End of Summer 2009

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Hawk
• Pigeon
• Pigeons
• Loft
• Tipplers
• Flying
• Birds
• Bird watching
• bird watchers
• New York CIty
• Pets

[roxtar10870]

I had one of these damn things get into my loft once without me knowing it. I was wondering why my birds wouldn't trap no matter what I did, finally I went into the loft to see one of my birds up on it's perch and this little hawk (couldn't have been more than a year old) flopping around on the ground w/a busted wing. Best I can figure is that he hurt himself inside the loft chasing the pigeon that was in there with him or trying to get out. I learned not to leave my trap open after that.

[kimdayne]

@roxtar10870 What did you do with the hawk?

Dane

[pahoboye]

i used to keep tipplers when growing up... tumblers etc./. and my father raced pigeons... and he was always on look out for hawks.. so this is familiar to me

[kimdayne]

@pahoboye This particular Loft or "Coop" commonly called in NYC is closed for now. I'll build another one somewhere; but at the moment I enjoy other guy's loft in the Bronx.

[DontPublicMe]

Someone called the Police about the hawk. Pretty quick response; I hear the police car siren.

[kimdayne]

@DontPublicMe In da hood we don't call the Police, only to collect the bodies strewn about.

[roxtar10870]

@kimdayne Called a fish and game guy to come get him.

[Detheven]

@13Hooka it may take 15+ minutes, but the hawk or falcon will drive the pigeon down lower & lower until, exhausted, it crashes into trees, the side of the house or the ground, then it will pounce & start ripping pigeon to shreds. It's pretty exciting to watch, but it's very frustrating if it's one of my favorite pigeons >:0(

[Detheven]

@13Hooka Springtime is indeed the best time to fly your pigeons because the hawks would rather go after mice, rabbits, etc. Hawks have to work pretty hard to snag a pigeon & fail rate is higher. However, no time of year is guaranteed safe, & if you want to keep your flock in top shape, they need to be exercised regularly, hawk or not. I hate the red tail hawks, they sit quietly in a tree & swoop down, *BAM* pigeon never sees it coming! Smaller hawks however will give chase,

[bboymong08]

I like how you guys just let it be. it's all nature and the falcons/hawks are just trying to feed. You guys are cool. nice video too.