Atlanta Hawk(s)

A few years ago, I heard someone say that some small pets such as cats and chihuahuas weren't safe outside because of the threat of hawks. I thought this was silly, but I did a little research and realized this was a real threat. Due to my constant worrying, I wouldn't let Pete and Annabelle outside without supervision because I just knew that hawks were circling and waiting to eat one of them. I know this is somewhat irrational, but that's how my mind works.

After a few months passed and I hadn't seen any hawks, I relaxed a little.

This weekend in Atlanta, I walked by a window and peered out into the courtyard. I spotted a huge bird perched on a fence post. I called for Justin to look. We were both amazed at the size of the bird. It was huge! We both immediately agreed that it was a hawk. Justin grabbed the camera and tried to get a picture from the window in the laundry room. I think the hawk spotted him because it flew to a higher branch in a tree in the backyard, still studying the ground very carefully.

Justin sneaked outside and walked very close to the tree with the hawk and snapped several pictures. I was a little scared for Justin, so I waited just inside the door with a Maglite flashlight in my hand, ready to knock that bird silly if it attacked my Justin!

Justin returned safely but I was left worrying that the hawk was going to eat one of the adorable little chipmunks that call our courtyard home. The hawk eventually became interested in one of our dear squirrels and I had to stop watching. I really hope that squirrel hid.

Pete is smaller than Annabelle by several pounds. Annabelle weighs about twelve pounds and Pete weighs around eight or nine, so I doubt a hawk could lift either of them, especially Annabelle, but one might try to hurt one of my babies. That thought is just horrible! I now have a rule that Annabelle and Pete aren't allowed outside in Atlanta (when they finally move up there) without adult supervision.

Mama said we need to get a gun and shoot the hawk(s), but I don't think the neighbors and police would appreciate us shooting guns haphazardly in town. She then suggested we get a bow and arrow. That would probably be even more dangerous to Justin, myself, and any other people or pets who might be in the vicinity.

I think I'll just hang onto the flashlight for now. I wonder if hawks eat snakes?

These pictures do not show the true size of this bird! I estimate it was one and a half to two feet tall and had a wingspan of about four feet.