The Bird that Feeds on Feeder Birds

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Every winter I usually have a Cooper’s or Sharp-shinned Hawk preying off the birds congregating at my feeders. This winter I have a Sharp-shin actively hunting my feeders. Both of these species swoop in at a high rate of speed, surprising the feeder birds, barely giving them time to fly off or head into surrounding evergreens to seek cover. Unfortunately sometimes ground birds like juncos will fly into the house windows as they rush to get out of the way. Most of the times these birds are just stunned and if they stay still, they may not fall prey. For the hawks are conditioned to go after a bird in motion so if the stunned birds do not move the hawk does not pick them up in its vision. The hawks will perch to wait for some signs of motion after sweeping in before heading off for another attempt somewhere else.

Sharp-shins usually go after smaller birds but here is an instance where one tried to capture a Blue Jay. There was quite a skirmish which eventually allowed the Blue Jay to escape. I think this Sharpie grabbed more than he could chew.

Sharp-shinned trying to dispatch a Blue Jay

It is hard to see the bird feeder birds get attacked even though it is nature. Often you will see your birds waiting motionless on your feeders or nearby trees for minutes at a time - that is probably because one of these predators is in the area. And if a hawk is actively hunting in your area, you may see a lack of feeder birds for the entire day!