PLEASE REPLY if you know something about Hawks...these enormous birds use to be a rare sight to see around here (in Va.), but now I am seeing one - maybe the same one(?) every day. Are they a danger to small dogs?? When I see the wing span on this creature, I do not feel safe about letting my dogs enjoy their usual run and play time in the back yard- unless I'm within an arm's length near by. Does anyone know whether small pets are in danger because if these birds, and why are they suddenly here??

It may be a falcon...I will have to look more closely and then learn more about these birds. They are HUGE

Any of the birds of prey (hawks, eagles, falcons) are a very serious danger to small dogs outside. I personally know of 2 people that watched as their small dogs were snatched right out of their yards by hawks and there was nothing the owners could do to save them!! PLEASE keep a close watch if you know there are hawks or any of the other hunter type birds around your place.

Laura

Thanks so much for your advice. I am with them out back 90% of the time, but will be always now...this huge bird has been a concern for weeks now, so I have my answer. It isn't coming near my rescue girls- both are under 24 lbs.!! Thanks again.

I hope that many pet owners are aware of these birds of prey...I did do some research earlier and learned from a Falcon web site, that this bird's numbers are increasing, and they are around more frequently now than they were just a few years ago. It would break a pet owner's heart to have their small animal's life end by one of these creatures!

hi i wanted to tell everyone that i live in southwestern pa on a farm of 165 acres and have seen quite alot of birds of prey here but today i seen something unusual , 2 turkey vultures flying very low to the ground and i have a dog that only weighs 3.5 lbs. so yes i am out with mine 100+ percent of the time just thought i would give some info!!

I just saw a huge vulture too- busy in the middle of a very busy road, chewing on something...it's so interesting the way that these enormous predatory birds are more visible or plentiful now, but do watch for small pets!!

There are many hawks in Boston, too. I have seen them grab squirrels, pigeons, mice (from the train tracks)...gives me the heebie jeebies, but they have to eat , too. I'm glad you are keeping your small dogs safe.

Hi, the huge creature I keep seeing is actually way up in the trees- even from this distance, it is very big. The closest I have gotten to get a good look was to see that it is not a vulture (they are around here too). This other bird is a deep reddish to brown color...may have had some speckling of a pale color on the back. When I saw it start to come closer...I went inside!

Thanks- I will keep you all posted. I think you're exactly right- these birds are pushed out their habitat by construction and so on...poor things! I wish that people realized the consequences before they start clearing land!!

Hawks or Falcons?  Doesn't matter to them, if it's the size if a rabbit or smaller, it's dinner!!!    I know, I lost my Sassy ,( about 4 lbs long haired chihuahua), to an eagle that had just been transported & set loose in the Lake Livingston area in Texas, and it wasn't even a full grown bird, just a baby, about the size of a large hawk.  In fact, that's what I thought it was until I managed to get a good look at it!  I won't even let my little ones out the door now unless I have them on a leash, fenced yard or not!!!  I learned my lesson!  Don't let it happen to you!!! Best of luck, Peg.

Oh my- I couldn't handle seein gmy dog carried off by anything! This is a Hawk, and while I think that my 20 pound dogs are too big to be lifted by it- I take no chances. I even heard back from a National (bird) Society I emailed weeks ago, and was assured that my dogs aren't at risk, but the more I hear, the safer I play it while these two are playing out back.

Thanks for your info. and I'm sorry about your dog

Yes! By all means do not leave your pets outside alone if you are in an area where birds of prey are located. Owls; hawks; falcons..Allof them..They are predators with very good eyesight and to them any small animal is dinner.

My brother lost his beautiful Maine Coon Cat to a Great Horned Owl this year. Heartbreaking!

Beware of Coyotes also. They will stalk and kill a small animal and their population is increasing. They are everywhere. They are becoming very bold and moving into rural and suburban areas to prey upon chickens and any small animal they can catch; including dogs and cats.  They have been sighted in our town. I saw one cross the highway early one morning. They are large too.

Protect your pets! You don't want to lose your little ones in this way.

Luvzcats >^..^<