Is it stalking the kitties?
@GardenGerty (165593)
United States
August 23, 2025 10:02am CST
While I was eating at the dining table this morning I saw a large bird land in the cedar tree outside the front door.
The cats had been out briefly, but would not stay because of the rain and came right back in. I felt like this bird was peering into the window.
I do not feel that this bird would be big enough to catch and lift Bruno, but it could get Pedro, maybe.
It was still semi dark outside, so I could see the body shape, but no coloration. I believe it was as large as a Mississippi Kite, but it was not making the call that bird is known for.
It is possible, however, that this bird of prey, whatever it is, was seeking something else.
I came home to a small lizard on my porch one day. I also know there are toads, frogs, and small snakes around, whether I see them or not. Maybe the bird saw one of those. Or a bunny, or mouse.
We are accustomed to seeing smaller birds around a lot. Cardinals, robins, bluejays and finches are here a lot. We also hear wrens and see hummingbirds. One day I saw a flicker pecking on the woody bloom stalk of a mullein plant.
I really never know what I will see, and I hope nothing is stalking me or my cat.
10 people like this
9 responses
@GardenGerty (165593)
• United States
23 Aug
Across the road from me is a large open field, that used to be the football field when there was a high school in town. It is bordered by trees, and right now has really tall grass which will likely be cut for hay soon. I never see this kind of bird on this side of the street, so I was surprised.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (165593)
• United States
23 Aug
Usually they stay across the road at the vacant field. Luckily the kitties do not spend a lot of time outside.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (482672)
• Italy
24 Aug
@GardenGerty - I am glad. Years ago a falcon tried to catch the cat of my neighbors. I rushed out in the garden with a broom and saved the kitty, but the falcon tried to attack me. I am glad that I arrived to get inside and close the door.
@snowy22315 (195286)
• United States
23 Aug
I hope not..Things like that are why none of my cats go out. I only had one that was an inside outside kitty
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (165593)
• United States
23 Aug
The boys are really good at staying up by the house. Occasionally they go under a vehicle. Since his surgery Pedro is very much a home body. Of course home is where the snacks are. And the warm fuzzy beds.
2 people like this
@snowy22315 (195286)
• United States
23 Aug
@GardenGerty I would let a couple out under supervision.
@DaddyEvil (158385)
• United States
23 Aug
You're getting rain again?
We have partly cloudy skies but the chance of rain is only 15% today.
I hope the bird was after some other smaller animal and not looking at Pedro as potential breakfast.
We see a lot of rabbits nibbling clover in our yard, once in a while I've seen raccoons or possums wandering around. Squirrels are here all the time. We also see a lot of sparrows and crows in the back yard and, once, I've seen a Robin in the front yard.

1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (165593)
• United States
23 Aug
I have not seen raccoons, but that does not mean they are not here. Also possums, and possibly gophers and even the occasional armadillo.
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (158385)
• United States
23 Aug
@GardenGerty We don't have gophers here but possible armadillos, yes. Sometimes deer come up into the yard to munch on clover, too.
@GardenGerty (165593)
• United States
23 Aug
This is the first I have seen this type of bird on my side of the road. We have entertainment when we sit out front or when we are at the table.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (199423)
• United States
24 Aug
I hope it wasn't a hawk. I always worried about our Pomeranians when they were outside.
@celticeagle (179151)
• Boise, Idaho
23 Aug
Birds of prey will try to pick up small animals. Especially if they are hungry. I hope Pedro grows fast.
@JudyEv (362095)
• Rockingham, Australia
24 Aug
I would hate to think a bird was stalking your cats. Might it be a large owl?
