Keeping Hawks from a BirdFeeding Area
Hawks are beautiful birds, and a vital part of the web of life. Still, many birders would rather not see hawks picking off their songbirds at their bird feeders. This is especially a problem in the winter, when hawks are having trouble finding other food and the songbirds are nicely congregating in one easy-to-get-to area.
The most reliable solution is to remove the hawk's source of food - i.e. stop feeding the songbirds for a while. The songbirds don't rely solely on your feeder for food, and will easily find food elsewhere. After a few weeks of quiet, the hawk will move along to a new area and find a new source of food. That leaves you free to start feeding your smaller feathered friends again.
You can also try putting the feeder closer to cover, so the smaller birds aren't out in the open and exposed while they eat. Make sure it's not easy for cats to get to, but by keeping it near trees and branches, it helps ensure the songbirds can get to safety quickly.
Really, though, hawks are birds like any other bird. Many of the smaller birds eat insects (i.e. living creatures) and the hawk is merely eating something to try to sustain himself. Hawks also help out by eating rodents and insects as well. It's extremely difficult for a Hawk to make it to adulthood, and even once there it's a struggle for the hawk to survive. Many hawks are losing their habitats and nesting grounds. In a way, by having a few of your songbirds sacrificed to the hawk, you're helping keep a vital member of the birding community alive.
Wild Bird Feeding Basics
Birding Tips and Photos
Birding Help Hints Tips and Information