Should I stop feeding the birds?

I would stop, not because of the hawks, but because the availability of food prevents some of birds from migrating appropriately. It is the scarcity of food that drives many birds migration instincts. While the hawk is upsetting to me it is part of the life cycle/food chain that is natural.

Can you set the bird feeding area somewhere in the yard that will offer some protection? We moved ours under a tree and near some bushes for that reason. It keeps the Hawks from being able to make a flying swoop down to grab one and provides a little bit of hiding area for the little birds.

We leave ours out all year. We have red shouldered hawks and bald eagles over our yard a lot. We are on a lake though, and they tend to go for the fish instead of other birds.

When we take the cranky woman out to the car, we always do kind of a duck and run so she doesn't get snatched out of our hands. Hawks are crafty hunters and will stalk prey and will take advantage of any opportunity to catch a tasty morsel.

I think it is too late for you to stop feeding. You can stop in the spring.

The same thing happened to me last winter!!! I couldn't believe it. I saw it circle and I said 'there's a hawk out there!' and then all the sudden it swooped down to my bird feeder and took out a bird! I didn't stop feeding the birds (though I don't feed them in the summer). It was upsetting, but I guess it is the nature of... nature ??

Hawks are birds and they need to eat too...

How would that be enforced, since bird feeding isn't mandatory? Sorry but I think your mom is wrong on that one.

Birds are migratory. They leave for many reasons including for food. If they have a stable food supply all summer and fall, then it stops suddenly in winter, then birds depending on that food source die. You think there's no way a law exists to protect birds is freezing climates? Because I think it's very possible.

Feeding feral cats isn't mandatory, but there are laws that state that after X days of feeding you become their owner. If that cat depends on you for food and you stop, that's considered cruelty to animals. 

I know the bird thing sounds crazy, but it makes sense.

I wouldn't stop feeding the birds because of the circle of life. Hawks have to eat too, you know.

And to be honest? Birds of prey are fascinating. So while it would be disturbing to see that happen, I'd also be fascinated that a bird of prey swooped down right in front of me,

I hang fat balls up in winter, but never scatter birdfood on the ground as it attracts vermin.

No, I don't think any law exists that you have to keep buying seed for wild animals. But it is funny to imagine something like being enforced. 

Birdforce, obviously. Door to door questioning by the Birdforce. Mostly retirees, but all people who care about nature and the LAW.