Curtis Holman ([info]curt_holman) wrote in [info]atlanta,
@ 2008-02-23 13:41:00
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The Hawks in Atlanta
Has anyone else noticed the influx of hawks in Atlanta neighborhoods? Over the past 3-5 years, they've become something of a regular feature in our neighborhood (inside the Perimeter, near Peachtree Dekalb Airport). Does anyone have any stories about hawk encounters? I wonder what variety of hawks they are, and what explains their increased visibility. (I suspect development is the reason, but I don't know that for a fact.)

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[info]spy_isis
2008-02-23 07:28 pm UTC (link)
It seems like Cooper's Hawks do well in urban areas, probably because the primarily eat small birds which also do well. I'm not sure why there seems to be more lately though. We always seem to get Cooper's Hawks in for rehab from the downtown area.

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[info]dturing
2008-02-23 07:59 pm UTC (link)
I stopped the car in the middle of the road just yesterday in East Atlanta to admire one perched on a branch about 12 ft. off the ground. It was beautiful!

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[info]hawklady
2008-02-23 08:10 pm UTC (link)
I'm a falconer, how many hawk stories do you want? :) (don't currently have a bird because of lack of time)

There is a definite influx of hawks during the winter because of the migrants who've come south to avoid bad weather and reduced prey availability. Also, you see more immature birds who are getting hunting experience and learning survival strategies -- and haven't yet gotten completely skittish around humans.

Cooper's Hawks and sharp-shinned hawks have adapted somewhat to suburban and city life. They both are primarily bird-eaters and live quite happily off of the buffet flocks at birdfeeders and dumpsters. About once a month I'll see a Coops working the pigeon flock that lives at I-20 and Fulton Industrial Boulevard just outside the perimeter.

Since hawks can live a decade or more, a couple of birds with their own territories can give the appearance of a viable population even though they are not breeding (lack of nest sites, nest failure due to predation, exposure/etc, lots of potential reasons).

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Following up, months later...
[info]curt_holman
2008-07-06 04:07 pm UTC (link)
Thanks! Can you recommend a local person, institution or club that would be a source for expert opinion on hawk-related information? I'd appreciate it.

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[info]vortex
2008-02-23 08:50 pm UTC (link)
I suspect a lot has to do with Development. High Rise owners sometimes bring in predatory birds to keep the pigeon and smaller bird populations down. Pigeons and smaller birds tend to nest or roost in the crevices of tall buildings and over time cause damage to either the buildings or to the employees and clients. We all know how birds like to fly into windows, well, it was noticed that in some tall glass buildings people were getting injured from the falling dead birds. Or some birds would pick at the insulation holding in the window panes and they would fall out, or their excrement would corrode the metals on the buildings...

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[info]vortex
2008-02-23 08:55 pm UTC (link)
...side note:

I live in South West Dekalb. About three weeks ago I was at a Kroger getting gas, when I looked up and saw at least 100 hawks (Sorry I don't know the specific types, that was too long ago in my bird learnin') soaring around catching thermals. I wish I had my camera with me at the time.

I managed to get 3 people to look up for a change and view nature in action :)...

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[info]wiebke
2008-02-23 10:09 pm UTC (link)
I live Downtown, where there's been a population of peregrine falcons for years now, but yeah, I have noticed hawks, falcons and other birds of prey all around town over the last few years. I remember seeing a huge hawk flying over that big shopping plaza on Ponce a few years ago and did a double-take: "Whoah, look at that huge hawk!" Here in my neighborhood I've seen peregrines dive-bombing pigeons, knocking them straight out of the air, BAM! A friend of mine who works in Midtown used to call me about this hawk who'd bag local squirrels, rats, etc., and eviscerate them while sitting on a wooden fence outside their office window. He said it was like National Geographic, live, in Midtown. Personally, I find it pretty awesome that the birds are adapting to manmade environments and that they furthermore clear out the vermin population. (Yes, I think pigeons, mice, even rats are cute, but a lot of them are in fact rife with disease.)

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[info]amber_fool
2008-02-23 11:01 pm UTC (link)
There are at least a couple that live on the Georgia Tech campus, and have for years. Or it's a favorite stopping place for many. I've seen the older hawks teaching younger ones to fly from the top of the library to a tree. Absolutely amazing to watch.

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[info]froofie
2008-02-23 11:31 pm UTC (link)
There was a heron at Callanwolde back in January. Flew right next to me! It was catching fish in the pond. So amazing!

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hardtoplayfair
2008-02-24 01:10 am UTC (link)
There are three hawks that hang out in the clearing behind my house. I think it's pretty cool actually. It sucks for them, of course; it's just awesome to watch the three of them soar together.

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[info]cor256
2008-02-24 03:21 am UTC (link)
I apologize for this in advance...

Ok, I tried to not make a joke here but cant help it...

It's the Atlanta basketball team looking for day jobs. ;)


Ok, yeah, they dont let me out much... heh

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[info]muffle1969
2008-02-24 02:43 pm UTC (link)
According to my bandmates, there was a really huge one, like at least 6 foot wingspan, munching down on a squirrel at the end of my driveway a few weeks ago.

Scared the crap out of my bass player and drummer. They were here to pick me up for a gig, and were evidently considering going on without me for fear this hawk might decide to drop the squirrel and take off with one of them instead.

Seems said hawk decided to grab the prey in claw, so to speak, and fly away, letting the guys proceed up my driveway.

It was pretty funny watching them peek out the door to make sure the Big Bad Birdie was gone before we went back out to the truck though. :D

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[info]malibran
2008-02-24 06:39 pm UTC (link)
i hope its not a rock band...sounds like a bunch of pussies

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[info]malibran
2008-02-24 06:40 pm UTC (link)
OMG yeah we have this big ass hawk/falcon in downtown that glides over the pigeon action. its kinda awesome

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[info]jenpo
2008-02-24 07:05 pm UTC (link)
About a year ago, I was taking a smoke break at work, which is in a building on Peachtree Street in Midtown. I noticed a rustling in one of the bushes by the building, about 20 feet away from the bustling lunch hour madness of Peachtree. Watched for a few minutes before a decent sized hawk, maybe 3 ft wing span, came merrily hopping out. He looked around, stared at me for a second and then flew back behind the building, into the Ansley area. I just stood there for a second with what I am sure was a stupid 'WTF?' look on my face. lol

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