How can I prevent raptors from killing or chasing away songbirds?
Falcons, hawks and owls (raptors) prey upon insects, birds and mammals. If you feed wild birds or your yard is home to numerous songbirds, expect a visit from a hungry raptor. Although their presence may hinder your bird feeding efforts, consider how fortunate you are to get a close-up look at these magnificent birds of prey. Place your bird feeders near shrubs or leave brush piles near feeders. This provides the feeder birds with cover, making it more difficult for a raptor to capture them. Songbirds have evolved with raptors, and if adequate cover (shrubs and trees) is available, most songbirds can avoid raptors. The Merlin (a crow-sized falcon) regularly nests in urban areas. They typically nest in old crow nests in coniferous trees. If you have large coniferous trees in your neighbourhood, there is a chance you will have a pair of Merlins nesting nearby. Like robins and chickadees, raptors are protected by law. Provincial law prohibits the capture, killing or possession of hawks an
