Are there too many birds of prey?

Question

During the fall 2007 hunting season, I had some unusual interactions with a number of birds of prey.  I was hunting groundhogs in an open field, when two red tailed hawks flew into a tree right above me.  I was dressed in a hunter orange vest and cap and even moved around a bit to see their reaction.  They had absolutely no fear of me, even though I was standing right below them.  I also saw plenty of great horned owls during the daylight hours while hunting.

Now we come to the 2008 hunting season and today I had another unusual encounter with a hawk.  I was squirrel hunting in the deep woods when I saw a squirrel run up a tree and hide on the other side.  I decided to sit under a nearby tree in hopes that the squirrel would eventually think I had left and give me a shot.  I had just sat down when I could hear something going on in the tree where I had previously spotted the squirrel.  When I looked up, I saw a hawk carrying the squirrel away.  I was only 10 yards away from that tree and the hawk decided to swoop down and grab the squirrel!

About a dozen years ago, I talked to a conservation officer (deputy game protector) who told me that we have overdone it in protecting the birds of prey.  He told stories of releasing pheasants for the hunting season and watching hawks attack the newly released birds just moments after they had been set free.  It was the first time I had ever heard someone say that there were too many, but now I am starting to agree.

Could it be that we have brainwashed ourselves into believing that birds of prey, such as hawks and owls, are somehow the sacred cows of the American outdoors?  I would like to believe that I too am a convervationist, and my knee jerk reation is to follow along and stick-up for the continued protection of these birds.  But, having talked to someone that makes a living protecting wildlife AND seeing for myself how unfraid these birds of prey have become, I am second guessing myself right now.

Any comments?

Foff · Accepted Answer

Your question evokes powerful responses from both conservationists and rural dwellers (such as me) about the population of red tailed hawks. 

I too believe that their population needs to be assessed and perhaps regulated as there are WAY too many in the area I live. One day as I was driving home from town I stopped to count the number of hawks I could see with my naked eye in a neighbors grove of trees- 23 confirmed, although I'm sure there were more obscured by leaves and branches. That in itself is amazing to see but frustrating since I raise free range chickens. I have lost a great number of both barn cats and chickens to brazen attacks......all happening in close range while I was outside with them.

And while I know that they are essential in keeping vermin in check, what exactly is keeping THEM in check?? I think the real answer involves some frank discussions with our individual DNR offices.

Murphy&#39;s Law · Answer

That's a catch 22 right there. While there may be too many in some areas, in others there may be too few. The problem with most conservation programs is they protect wildlife EVERYWHERE. I can't say it is a good idea to go blasting hawks, but I do believe that localized areas may need to review their programs. On the other hand, too few predators and prey goes wild. Sure, our hunter friends would make short work of it, for a season maybe. But most small prey reproduces so quickly that it would be ineffective in the long run. Hopefully, with the current populations, some sort of equilibrium will be reached.

? · Answer

Ooo good question.
From what you have said I think there is a couple more birds than we thought there was over in America.
The protection they must have is excellent.
Over here in Australia we are running out of a couple birds of prey.
There is only like 40 pairs of Sea Eagles left here.
All down my side of the Coast pretty much. :P

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Are there too many birds of prey?

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