Just like it reads. An osprey has been circling around our house for several weeks now. He is BIG! Went out on the deck about 15 minutes ago, and the damn bird landed in one of our trees, eyeing our Chihuahuas. I am not about to let Sid or Buster become a meal! No way. No how. I yelled out to Amy to gather the dogs. I keep a BB gun in the garage to ward off such things. So, I grab the small, Crossman CO2, and rip off all 17 BBs in the flying monsters direction. I had to have hit him, but the thing just keeps cirlcing. I need to snap a pic.

I am quite sure that killing one of these things is illegal, but when it comes to protection, I do not play around. I only have the one BB gun, and I am not about to fire off any rounds from the real steel. (We do live in a residential area.) So, I am off to get Father-in-Law's break barrel .177. Also illegal to fire within the city boundaries, but um, yeah, I am NOT going to let this bird take a family member.

I am willing to bet that I will get a neg from this, but I just cannot go through watching a 7 pound friend be eaten. My heart is still pumping adrenaline. Amy yelled at me when I grabbed the BB gun. But, I did not even hear her. We will have to see how this one turns out. My Sister's Mother-in-Law lost a dog several years back to an owl. I am not about to just let it happen to my family. I'll keep you posted.

------------------

What to do when a bird is after your dog? Shoot it.... with something bigger than a b-b gun.

I understand your feelings completely Tony. Strange to relate, but over the last 3 years there have been 7 small dogs 'kidnapped', or so the story went amongst the locals:somebody stealing dogs for their fur Solution to the mystery became apparent a few weeks ago (I THINK I posted about it )...a pair of Golden Eagles are living in the mountains about 25 miles from our village. I swa them a while back, floating up and up and up on the strong winds we were experiencing...and then dive from maybe ..I don't know..15,000 feet? Disappeared from sight behind some trees, and then reappeared with something struggling in its talons. This was maybe 2 miles away, so I couldn't see what the prey was...but it was BIG. Those birds can cover 40 miles in literally 20 minutes, using the powerful air currents and lift from the wind going over the mountains. For SURE; they have taken dogs, cats and heaven knows what else over the years they have been here. They normally won't come near to built-up areas, but with the drought we have had over the last couple of years, normal prey such as rabbits etc have been decimated...and so they have turned to 'domesticated' animals for food. My dogs are NEVER out of the garden, unless accompanied by me, and I keep a VERY close eye on them all the time
Osprey are protected, and to kill one, should you be caught, has a very high penalty; so you would be better using a rook-scarer or some kind of noisy firework to scare it off, IMHO.
Nick
http://www.justice.gov/usao...hael-conviction.html

[This message has been edited by fierofetish (edited 07-02-2010).]

Tony, you wanna borrow my fat pig of a dog for a while? Stupid osprey will kill itself trying to pick her up, and at the same time will scratch that itch on Bailey's back..

For what its worth, here DNR has stated that you CAN kill an endangered species in the process of protecting yourself, home, family, pets, other people.

We have some wild panthers running around eating pets and they came out and made that statement in the media. I would assume it would be the same in every state. Calling your local DNR and documenting the problem would be a good idea.

[This message has been edited by User00013170 (edited 07-02-2010).]

Sub-sonic .22 rounds.

~ Derek

I am reading up on our state laws. So far, it seems that to protect ones pets, you are able to kill an osprey. But, only if it is in the act of what it naturally does. Shat, by that time, Sid would just be desert!

Sid, and Buster...





Aaron... Your fat pig of a dog is awesome! Bailey would be like a year long feast for the osprey. (Sorry Bailey.)

I am definately going to do the legal thing. I just need to read up on what that is.

[This message has been edited by Tony Kania (edited 07-02-2010).]

quote Originally posted by User00013170: For what its worth, here DNR has stated that you CAN kill an endangered species in the process of protecting yourself, home, family, pets, other people.

Exactly. Just because the animal is endangered, that doesn't give it a free pass to cause havoc.

But if you want to do the "nice" thing, keep the dogs indoors until the osprey loses interest. If it hangs around for an extended period (like more than a few days), you can contact the local Animal Control and possibly have them relocate it.

[This message has been edited by Blacktree (edited 07-02-2010).]

quote Originally posted by Blacktree: Exactly. Just because the animal is endangered, that doesn't give it a free pass to cause havoc. But if you want to do the "nice" thing, keep the dogs indoors until the osprey loses interest. If it hangs around for an extended period (like more than a few days), you can contact the local Animal Control and possibly have them relocate it.

101% CORRECT, IMHO Good post, Blacktree
Nick

I had a problem with an Osprey roosting on my sailboat mast and crapping on my boat. I hoisted a fake owl up there and havn't had that problem since. I believe Ospreys and other birds are afraid of owls. Check this out...http://www.pestproducts.com/bird.htm and you can buy one here.
http://www.answers.com/topic/plastic-owl

quote Originally posted by Shananigans: Also keep in mind that the Osprey could fly away with your small dog. I see them flying around all the time with pretty large fish.

As small as that dog is, the hawks around here could carry it off. I have seen them carry off bunnies that size or bigger Not a pretty scene, next time they get pellets in the butt.

Check out these photo's of Osprey's carrying food.

http://fiveprime.org/hivemind/Tags/flying,osprey

If you have a scope on that .177 and are any good with it........make a poison dart.

Use steel darts instead of pellets (better penetration)...AFTER they have been dipped in a "concoction"

Get a couple of packs of smokes (the stronger the better) and a bottle of rubbing alcohol. Soak the cigs in the alky for a couple of days, then drain off the liquid. Let it evaporate until you have a very thick paste at the bottom of the container (hot full-sun windowsill makes a quick job of it), and dip the darts in the paste......

Carefull with that stuff, it is PURE nicotine (poisonous as hell-alkaline with no antidote) and a couple drops will drop a grown man, never mind a bird.

'course, this is nowhere near legal, so I am not advocating or instructing on how to do anything, merely making conversation.

[This message has been edited by MidEngineManiac (edited 07-02-2010).]

Ummmm...wrong, Nick NVM
Nick

[This message has been edited by fierofetish (edited 07-02-2010).]

See if Blackrams will loan you his dog (Jake) for a few days. Jake will be more than a match for the osprey and may terrify the bird!

Shoot, Shovel, Shut up. Done.

More options:

Get yourself a real pet owl. Um naw, he'll want to eat them too.

Kevlar doggie vest?

Cover thier outside area with netting.

I got it now! You need a few SAMs. Save some bottle rockes from the 4th and fire them at the osprey when it comes back. Yup SAMs shoudl get it the heck out there.

quote Originally posted by hnthomps: See if Blackrams will loan you his dog (Jake) for a few days. Jake will be more than a match for the osprey and may terrify the bird!

ROTFLMAO. Interesting idea. I'll say this about that, any bird that can fly while trying to carry Jake is not one I want to mess with. At Jake's last Vet visit, he weighed in at a very solid 152 lbs.
Just remember this, anyone that borrows Jake has to feed Jake. A word of advice though, no chili dogs. You won't like the end results.

Ron

Just remember that birds of prey are protected and cannot be killed. The laws are pretty strict too. If you even see a dead one you aren't allowed to disturb it.

Good luck.

Just kill it. DO NOT USE A 22 or any other "solid shot gun". The bullet can travel for miles and end up killing someone. See if you can borrow a small shot gun (.410 12 gauge ect...). This will insure you dont kill anyone while trying to take out your bird.

Please post up a pick of Jake. 152 elbows?! Wow! I am really betting that Buster can compete with Jake on the chili dogs. He is the king of the "drive by". He even looks at you like, WTF. He, he, he.

Kevlar jacket... Buster would wear it. Sid would just stand there peved. He hates colthing.

Flamberge... From what I have found, the law states that you can protect your pet from any threat. But, the threat has to be taking place for you to be able to take any action.

Chris... Yeah, no real steel. I am not looking to get booked. Again?! I borrowed my Father-in-Laws break barrel Crossman. It puts a .177 just over an inch into my new cedar posts from 100'.

[This message has been edited by Tony Kania (edited 07-02-2010).]

quote Originally posted by Tony Kania: Please post up a pick of Jake. 152 elbows?! Wow! I am really betting that Buster can compete with Jake on the chili dogs. He is the king of the "drive by". He even looks at you like, WTF. He, he, he. Kevlar jacket... Buster would wear it. Sid would just stand there peved. He hates colthing. Flamberge... From what I have found, the law states that you can protect your pet from any threat. But, the threat has to be taking place for you to be able to take any action.

And therein lies the problem Tony. You are already aware of the threat, therefore your ONLY legal recourse is to report it to the US equivalent of the RSPB..Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in the UK They will, afaik, trap it and move it (and its mate) if possible.
Nick

quote Originally posted by Tony Kania: Please post up a pick of Jake. 152 elbows?! Wow! I am really betting that Buster can compete with Jake on the chili dogs. He is the king of the "drive by". He even looks at you like, WTF. He, he, he.

Doubtful, Jake can eat them pretty quickly. You see, he doesn't fill up on them, they pass right on through. I know this because someone at the Fiero Factory Swap Meet a couple of years ago decided to feed Jake while I wasn't looking. It was not a pleasant evening sitting around the pool.

Unless they changed it, the abreviation for pounds used to be lb.

Ron

[This message has been edited by blackrams (edited 07-02-2010).]

Just keep a close eye on the dogs and keep pumping BB's into the bastard. Does your gun accept pellets as well? Those are more accurate and do more damage in my experience. The BB's tend to go all over the place, but the pellets tend to go pretty straight. My mom has papillions and yorkies and a large bird (don't know what kind) came down and tried to get one, was very scary but fortunately was an unsuccessful attempt.
Stories like this make me glad I have a 180 pound St. Bernard

[This message has been edited by ditch (edited 07-02-2010).]

quote Originally posted by Tony Kania: From what I have found, the law states that you can protect your pet from any threat. But, the threat has to be taking place for you to be able to take any action.

That could be true. I just don't want you to get in trouble for anything, so that's why the head's up in case you didn't know.

Anywhere there are raptors and small pets, trouble is close behind. (cue The Far Side cartoon with the falconers on one side of the hedge and the toy poodle enthusiasts on the other.

quote Originally posted by Flamberge: Just remember that birds of prey are protected and cannot be killed. The laws are pretty strict too. If you even see a dead one you aren't allowed to disturb it. Good luck.

As mentioned, they CAN be legally killed in an act of self defense/protection. Especially if you have warned the authorities that there is a problem ahead of time to cover yourself.

Now, just going out and killing one for fun, i agree is both wrong and illegal. But that isn't what is going on here. Also, personally id not move a dead one regardless of the law, due to risk of disease. Id just call it in.

quote Originally posted by User00013170: Also, personally id not move a dead one regardless of the law, due to risk of disease. Id just call it in.

That's one of the main reasons they have the law. yuck.

quote Originally posted by Flamberge: That's one of the main reasons they have the law. yuck.

....and to prevent people from 'finding' them just to have them stuffed: "i found it on the side of the road officer, really i did"

quote Originally posted by fierofetish: And therein lies the problem Tony. You are already aware of the threat, therefore your ONLY legal recourse is to report it to the US equivalent of the RSPB..Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in the UK They will, afaik, trap it and move it (and its mate) if possible. Nick

In the morning, I will call the proper authorities. It has been back in the last hour. Just hovering.

quote Originally posted by Tony Kania: In the morning, I will call the proper authorities. It has been back in the last hour. Just hovering.

Pics? I love raptors.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osprey

damn, that is some bird, body is 2 feet long with a wing span of over 6 feet

quote Originally posted by ditch: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osprey damn, that is some bird, body is 2 feet long with a wing span of over 6 feet

I know what they look like. I meant any pictures of his specific example. Each different raptor looks different, if only slightly, from others in its own species. For example, merlins, which are pint sized falcons, can be almost all brown with mottled markings, to almost resembling a large peregrine. Ospreys are one of the species that have a lot of variation within their species, so I was curious what his looked like. Thanks for the link though! + for you.

EDIT: Spelling

[This message has been edited by Flamberge (edited 07-02-2010).]

quote Originally posted by blackrams: Just remember this, anyone that borrows Jake has to feed Jake. A word of advice though, no chili dogs. You won't like the end results. Ron

There...I fixed that for you....

One of my friends at work witnessed a red tailed hawk swoop down and get a womans tacobell doggy, she screamed and hollered and asked him what she should do, my friend being the blunt a$$ said "Lady, you need to get a bigger dog"

Hope things work out, the Owl suggestions and contacting the law are your best bets unless you have one of those large doggy pens with the top open and you can cover it with some netting or something to allow the doggies some "outside time alone"

quote Originally posted by Back On Holiday: One of my friends at work witnessed a red tailed hawk swoop down and get a womans tacobell doggy, she screamed and hollered and asked him what she should do, my friend being the blunt a$$ said "Lady, you need to get a bigger dog" Hope things work out, the Owl suggestions and contacting the law are your best bets unless you have one of those large doggy pens with the top open and you can cover it with some netting or something to allow the doggies some "outside time alone"

Might be able to get away with just propping up some mesh from tent poles ( sort of like camouflaging tanks and stuff ). I doubt the bird will go around the edged and underneath.

It might be fun to put a piece of meat inside a stuffed animal, and attach a bungie cord from the stuffed animal to a spike in the ground.

*swoop*
*snatch*
*bwoing*
*smack*

Several WEEKS? The owl suggestion might do the trick, it may choose to go away if it hasn't made a nest yet (has babies to feed).

We have had some beautiful raptors around here this spring, and one almost got a neighbor's taco dog. They took care of some of the squirrels, but I haven't seen them flying around the past few weeks. Never saw them before in our area. Beautiful animals. Not when they are hunting your pet, though, I suppose...

Good luck with your situation, TK

I pulled this pic from the linkey that Shananigans posted. The raptor looks very much like this one. I have the camera at the back door just in case I see it again.


Ditch..... That is the size of the bird! It's wingspan easily reaches as wide as our back doors. It just drops out of the tree, practicing it's attack route. You hear nothing. Last Saturday we had a party for Hoopfest. It swooped 15' above about 30 of us. Weird, because the dogs were not out? Just party goers.?

BOH.... "Lady, you need to get a bigger dog." I hear you on that. Love my guys, but they couldn't protect themselves from themselves. I have always said that if they encountered a Bull snake, Sid would die instantly because he could not resist telling that snake "how it is". Bussy would walk right up to the snake saying, "hey, wanna be friends?"

Blacktree.... Karma....it's a biatch. As kids, we used to trap birds in a cage. Tie fishing line to their little legs. A 3/8" nut was usually attached to the end of the fishing line. Then we would just let the birds go. Quite often flying high enough to clear the 4' chain link fence. Karma......it's a biatch.

My father-in-law often walks his dog in the woods nearby his house. A Costco is through the woods as the osprey flies. He believes that these are the birds circling our neighborhood. Probably less than 5 miles by the osprey's standards. They have chicks in their nest at the moment. No reason to kill the parents of little chicks. I am not going down that road. I am going to get some pics of their nest. It is on a telephone pole that borders the Costco, and the rail lines that run through town.

It is the 4th, and not much is going to be done during this holiday. On Tuesday, I will snoop around, and find the best course of action.

[This message has been edited by Tony Kania (edited 07-03-2010).]

Animal control, ASPCA or some other organization can round up the bird, chicks, etc and relocate them to the forest.