Hawks Circling Above

[ohboi_jc]

Hi all,

I'm a new owner with society finches and recently just transitioned my housing to my apartment balcony. When I got home today from the grocery store, I noticed 2 hawks circling the surrounding complex and the empty field to the left. I'm not sure the reason but they did get pretty close to ground level. I'm not sure if they were targeting my finch cage which is on the 2nd floor or just looking for food but the circling was over a very wide area. Mind you, there is also an empty field to the left of my complex and maybe they were looking for food there? Should I be concerned? Anyone else have problems with birds of prey?

Also, off topic, but these society are very active and seem to chirp/sing for the longest, I'm afraid my neighbors can hear them and might be annoyed. Anyone else housed finches in apartment complex? Any issues? I can always bring them inside but I really wanted them on my balcony. We also have a large colony of house finches that nest in air vents and sing every morning and afternoon. Pictures attached of my balcony and the finch as well as the open field. Suggestions and concerns are welcome, I'm still learning!

[ohboi_jc]

The open field.

[Ember]

Very pretty area!
I don't have any birds outside, so I can't help you with that, but good luck anyway!

[ohboi_jc]

Ember, thanks! I hope it's nothing major!

[debbie276]

I haven't had a problem with birds of prey yet with my outdoor aviary. My guess would be the hawks were looking for something larger in the fields.

[ohboi_jc]

debbie276 I am hoping so. My society were still singing when they circled and I didn't see a house finch in sight (they know what's going on) so I'm hoping the hawks were not drawn to the society singing. Those guys are too happy even when they can become snacks, lol. Love em.

[Nerien]

Twice this spring I have had a hawk bounce lightly off my front picture window. Suspect he was hunting the little wild finches that feed at my bird feeder and hang out in the bushes along the front of the house. Don't think he could see the birds inside, certainly can hear them, tho, as I have budgies and parrotlets.

Do remember reading about other members having hawk trouble--trying to attack through a window or an aviary, or an outside cage. Keep an eye on the situation, and maybe if your cage has wheels on the stand, don't leave them outside when you're not there? Hawks do indeed eat small birds and other small prey, it's not always something bigger like a rabbit.

[Nerien]

Here, found it:

http://www.finchforum.com/viewtopic.php ... wk#p252498

[ohboi_jc]

Here, found it:

http://www.finchforum.com/viewtopic.php ... wk#p252498

Thanks Nerien & I will definitely keep an eye out!