Sparrowhawk

[Svengali]

I mentioned some time back that we have a sparrow hawk that uses a cherry tree outside our front window as a fast-food takeaway (It provides roosting for several dozen starlings). This morning I was watching a starling perched on a branch, when like a bolt of lightning, the hawk hit it hard, knocking it to the ground, & proceeded to pluck & eat it in front of Pippa and me. Gruesome - the poor bird took a while to die - but what a fascinating sight!

[Svengali]

[redimp]

My mother-out-law complains bitterly about the sparrowhawk that raids her garden - but she is an active member of the cats protection league. ::)

[Robert_Brenchley]

She shouldn't worry; a sparrowhawk won't take a cat.

[redimp]

Paradox I meant Robert was that the Sparrowhawks take birds to survive, the cats take them for fun and kill more.

[Svengali]

If only they WOULD take cats! - I would sponsor a hawk breeding program!

[Robert_Brenchley]

What you want is a bird of prey that takes rabbit or hare-sized mammals. Eagle owl? Buzzards will eat a lot of rabbits but I've never heard that they go for cats. Maybe they're not fierce enough.

[Carol]

This lady stayed a long time this morning waiting on the collared doves to return.  No luck  this time ........





not a good pic. taken through the kitchen window.

::) ::) ::)

[woppa30]

Just wish I could see things like this near me, I would be over the moon. The pic may not be brilliant but at least you can share that little moment of magic. Will be keeping my eyes peeled for some wildlife down my lottie from now on. May go early one morning to see what I can see :-)

[Carol]

Woppa I appreciate all that I see round about me.  I watch so much I dont get much work done!!!   ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

[nippie]

Good picture, I have one regularly visit my garden but I never have time to grab the camera.
One swooped in last week and picked a sparrow right off the top of the bay tree, it was all so quick  :(

[Emagggie]

click on pic for better view.

Talking of birds of prey, this is a kite,I think. One of three flying about as we walked the Ridgeway. Sadly I didn't have the digital zoom set and no time to do it.

[Carol]

Yes, thats a Red Kite, super.   I saw them when I was up near Inverness couple of years ago.   I am sure they will become widespread just like the Common Buzzard.   :D :D

[Robert_Brenchley]

The long wings and forked tail are diagnostic of kites. They're certainly getting a lot commoner.

[budgiebreeder]

I have had a Sparrow Hawk throwing itself against the mess on my aviary since the Springtime trying to get at my birds .You think it would have learned by now that it cant get them .Must go back with some mighty headaches lol.

[angle shades]

same here BB, we have a sparrowhawk which tries in vain to get the canaries out the aviary, it also sits in our holly tree next to the bird feeders and waits for the sparrows ::)/shades x