Sparrow Hawk question...

[Jonathan]

A sparrowhawk that was being flown would have jesses and a leash, and would be tethered to a ring or bow perch. It would be 'weathered' outside during the day (as at falconry displays) and would be placed in 'mews' (generally a shed!) at night. If he's keeping it in a small cage, he's not a falconer.

Cheers
Jonathan

[top cat]

Firstly, thanks for all the reply`s.

Much appreciated.

I`ve given this matter a lot of thought over these last few weeks and have thought many times about going over and seeing the guy...

But...

I happen to know that another nearby neighbour has gone over and talked to the guy about the hawk in general and during the conversation mentioned the noise the bird makes and happened to say a few other people had commented on the noise... the response, although said in a "nice" way, was one of "well... they`ll just have to put up with it".

Contacting the local council about the noise will be easily handled but it`s more the welfare of the bird I`m concerned about... it can "call" all day as long as that`s normal(ish) behaviour for the bird and it`s NOT in distress.

What do you all think of the fact that it calls all day? Would a young(ish) Sparrowhawk do that? Is it just looking for attention? Is it just being driven potty by the Ginnie pigs?

Could it be scared of the dogs?

Apart from the cage size does this seem like a "normal" way of keeping a hawk?

I just don`t know.


I know some of you have expressed your opinions on these questions but I feel I need to be more informed before I make my mind up on what to do.


I should also just say that I don`t think for a second the guy would harm the bird in any way deliberately... I think it`s more a case of he thinks he knows what he`s doing when maybe he doesn`t.

It is a difficult one... I do live in a small community and don`t really want to fall out with anybody especially as I say, I don`t think he`d harm the bird in any way deliberately... if I thought he was just a bad person he`d have had a visit a LONG time ago. For sure.

It looks like the RSPCA are going to be getting a call but I`d really appreciate any more info/advice anyone has on the matter.

Cheers for now.

[LoveT]

Hi Top Cat

Originally Posted by top cat

I`m sure the guy has all the correct paper work etc that`s needed to keep a bird of prey but the conditions and treatment (i.e not much flying) I would have thought to be wrong.

I'm no expert in this sort of thing, and can understand your concern for both the bird and your wish to maintain reasonable neighbourly relations, so I've just had a look at the 'Frequently Asked Questions' section of the RSPCA website - it doesn't look like Sparrowhawks are necessarily covered by what you've said here (but - it depends for what purpose your neighbour is keeping it).

However, I have found this answer on the site to the following question:

'I know someone who keeps some birds in very small cages, surely this is cruel?' Which may apply to your Sparrowhawk.

Their answer to this question is:

'Possibly, yes, if the bird suffers because the captive environment does not provide for its physiological and behavioural needs. Anyone keeping a bird in captivity should ensure the bird is provided with the necessary space, environment, care and companionship. For example, an aviary will provide additional space for greater freedom of movement and can be designed to give a more varied environment and to allow the grouping of birds that would naturally live together in the wild.
It a legal requirement under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981, that birds kept in captivity have enough room (in all directions) to stretch their wings freely, so it depends on the size of the bird and the size of the cage and whether the bird's needs are being met inside the cage. There are a few exceptions, such as when the bird is on temporary display at an exhibition.

A keeper causing unnecessary suffering to a bird in their care may be prosecuted under the Animal Welfare Act 2006'.

They give an advice line number on their website - if you think that the above circumstances apply to this bird, then I would make enquiries, and the sooner the better for the birds' sake.

If the person concerned has already been approached and told that there are many folks concerned by the noise the animal is making, then any one of a number of people could follow it up with a call to the RSPCA.

My personal opinion - for what it's worth - is that this chap, however 'nice' he is being when telling you that you have to 'like it or lump it' does not (whether through ignorance or design) seem to have the interests of his animals at heart.

Sorry for the length of this reply, but I hope that helps you a little.

Thea

[Jonathan]

Originally Posted by top cat

What do you all think of the fact that it calls all day? Would a young(ish) Sparrowhawk do that? Is it just looking for attention? Is it just being driven potty by the Ginnie pigs?

Could it be scared of the dogs?

Don't worry too much about the screaming, it's probably just an indication the bird was taken from the nest too early, which means it's probably at least partially imprinted. It's screaming for attention rather than through distress.

I'd question where this guy got the spar from. Captive bred spars are not that easy to come by (females regularly kill the males!), they cost between two and three hundred pounds. Is someone going to pay that sort of money to simply keep it in a small cage? If he's taken it from the nest of a wild pair then he's comitted an offence.

Jonathan

[top cat]

@ LoveT

Thanks for looking around the FAQ. Sounds like a good idea... I never even thought of doing that.

I`ll have a look at the FAQ I think and sounds like the advice line might come in handy too.



@ Jonathan

Well it`s good to know that you think the hawk is not calling through distress...

That`s good to hear. I`m not sure where the hawk came from. I`ve never heard of a Falconry or anything similar round here so maybe he got it from elsewhere. I`ll maybe try to find out. What do you mean by "partially imprinted"?

Cheers.

[LoveT]

Top Cat:

What Johnathan means by 'paritally imprinted' means that the sparrowhawk has been handled by humans from an early age and so is now used to being handled by, and in the company of humans, and so would not be able to look after itself if released. This in turn means it could probably never go back into the wild and would need to be looked after by either a trained falconer, or by an organisation (such as a bird of prey centre) for the rest of it's life.

As Johnathan also said, he may well have committed an offence by deliberately removing one from the wild, so regardless of the noise it makes etc. this person is not keeping it as it should be kept.

Thea

[top cat]

Thanks for the explanation LoveT.

I thought that "partially imprinted" would mean something along those lines but it`s good to have the proper meaning.

I`ll try my best to find out how the hawk was acquired. As I say, I know of nowhere round here where he could have got it but that doesn`t mean there is nowhere here.

To be fair to the guy, I really don`t think he`d (knowingly) commit any offence in getting the bird.

He could well have travelled away to get it. I`ll see what I can find out.