Dubbins the Sparrowhawk and Margaret Faye: A Todd Family Memory

A Sparrowhawk Named Dubbins — A Todd Family Tale from Granger

Almost a century ago, the Abraham Alexander Todd family of Granger had a most unusual pet — a spirited little sparrowhawk named Dubbins.

In 1930, Abraham’s son Eugene climbed to the top of a dead poplar tree, where a woodpecker family had once nested, and gently took a small white ball of down — a newly hatched hawk chick — from its nest of six. From that moment on, Dubbins became part of the Todd household.

The tiny hawk quickly traded his wild siblings for an even larger, loving family: all the Todd children, a loyal collie dog, two cats, and even a friendly squirrel. Together, they made a lively farmyard family where animals and children roamed in perfect harmony.

Dubbins knew his name well. When someone called, “Come here, Dubbins!” he would flutter right over. By day, he perched contentedly on the woodpile beside the house, keeping watch over the busy yard. At night, he settled into his favorite spot inside the garage.

Meal times were an adventure — the children caught grasshoppers, mice, and worms to feed their unusual pet. Only once did Dubbins try to return to the wild. He flew off, but a neighbor found him and brought him safely back. To discourage further wandering, the little hawk’s wings were clipped — a gentle reminder that he now belonged with the Todds.

Nearly 100 years later, the story of Dubbins reminds us that on the Todd farm, even a wild hawk could find a home — and that family, in Granger, always meant more than just people under one roof.