Hawks in the area aren't cause for panic, wildlife expert says

Photo submittedy by Tabatha Owens Jeff Owens holds a American Kestrel, the smallest falcon found in our area. They eat bugs, small mice and lizards, The bird managed to get inside the Owens' pool enclosure in the Williamsburg subdivision in Gulf Breeze.

As more hawks are found in our area, some recent news media are sounding the alarm that small pets may become dinner for the hungry birds.

But a local wildlife expert says there is no cause for alarm.

Cheryl Greene, assistant director of the Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida, says hawks are always in the local area.

In the fall, there is a migration of hawks through our area on their way to South America for the winter.

Gulf Breeze resident Tabatha Owens had a close encounter with an American Kestrel October 25 when she discovered it trapped inside her pool enclosure in the Willliamsburg subdivision off Shoreline Drive in Gulf Breeze.

Her husband Jeff put on welding gloves to pick up the sharp taloned creature, but found him to be very docile. Jeff was then able to remove the gloves and hold the bird in his bare hands, even scratching the bird on his head.

The Owens then took the kestrel outside and tossed the bird into the air, where it found another bird, circled the house a few times then flew away.

Greene said the bird was probably stunned by the stress of being caught inside the pool enclosure and terrified of being held by a man, who birds consider to be their predators, and that is why it allowed itself to be held.

She said if you come into contact with a bird, try to get it out of your home or enclosure as quickly as possible. You can call the Wildlife Sanctuary at 433-9453 for tips on removing "critters," as Greene refers to them.

Since they will probably be stressed from their experience, it is best to let them sit outside for a while as long as there are no predators around to take advantage of the bird's stunned state. Eventually, the bird or animal will leave on its own.

As for whether hawks are preying on small pets, Greene said that hawks, coyotes, foxes and other predators usually prey on rodents and snakes but will resort to the easy prey of small animals under 10 pounds if left unattended in an open area such as a yard.

She said the squirrel population is rebounding after being diminished by Hurricanes Ivan and Dennis, but pets still should be watched closely.