I was replenishing the nut feeders in the pear tree - this was the buffet area for the sparrow-hawk - when whoosh - she went between me and the feeder which was still on the tree.
Only yesterday, I saw a sparrowhawk whump and start to eat a wood pigeon in our garden, the 4th such whump since April, although the victims have differed each time - fledgling blackbird, starling, sparrow and now the wood pigeon. What was amazing this time was one of the magpies (who seem to do as much killing in the garden) took on and, after a lot of sparring, shifted the sparrowhawk, earning the major part of the remains. Hard to watch and I wish they'd tidy up the feathers after!
This morning I heard an unfamiliar call which the Merlin app had a hard time identifying, and when it did, I had a hard time believing it. A merlin? Really? But then I listened more widely and heard an American Robin sounding the alarm for all it was worth. A minute or two later, the merlin flew overhead and away and slowly the sparrows started chirping again and the robin quieted.
So it was wonderful to then read your description of the sparrowhawk.
I watched a maelstrom of 4 kites (the killy, taloned variety) swooping around a brave handler at the national bird of prey centre at Helmsley today, snatching the globbets of meat she threw high in the air without pause and without collisions. One skimmed so low over my head I felt the rush of its wings stir my hair, giving me a tiny insight into what the last moment of its hapless prey must feel like!
I love everything you said about bird guides! I’ve been trying to articulate the requirement to memorise everything (and how it all goes out the window when you’re in the field) as the explanation for why I’m writing my Birdfolk newsletter. Way easier to read a few stories about each bird (although less thorough/scientific).
Nice sparrowhawk shot, too. I’m still waiting for my opportunity to capture one!
I once witnessed a sparrowhawk make a kill, it was spectacular and I got a great view from a window overlooking the garden where the action happened. Then along came domestic cat and scared the sparrowhawk away only to play halfheartedly with the prey. Sparrowhawk family deprived of a meal....
By the way I've just finished reading Why Do Birds Suddenly Disappear, brilliant read, thanks, will definitely read again.
Best sparrowhawk action I saw was in Notting Hill. Sparrowhawk appeared from no where angled straight between a model and the photographer on a fashion photo shoot, into a low hedge, out of the hedge with a small bird in its talons and away, all before the onlookers could fully form their gasp of surprise!
I witnessed a sparrowhawk in action, up close and personal, in the midst of lockdown. I was working from a corner of the kitchen table, facing the trees at the bottom of the garden. An inattentive dove made for easy prey and by gosh, its skill in killing was impressive in the most macabre way possible. I'm not particularly squeamish as I'm a cat owner and our beloved kitten is an accomplished murderer in her own right - but this was on another level entirely. Magnificent birds!
I was replenishing the nut feeders in the pear tree - this was the buffet area for the sparrow-hawk - when whoosh - she went between me and the feeder which was still on the tree.
Only yesterday, I saw a sparrowhawk whump and start to eat a wood pigeon in our garden, the 4th such whump since April, although the victims have differed each time - fledgling blackbird, starling, sparrow and now the wood pigeon. What was amazing this time was one of the magpies (who seem to do as much killing in the garden) took on and, after a lot of sparring, shifted the sparrowhawk, earning the major part of the remains. Hard to watch and I wish they'd tidy up the feathers after!
This morning I heard an unfamiliar call which the Merlin app had a hard time identifying, and when it did, I had a hard time believing it. A merlin? Really? But then I listened more widely and heard an American Robin sounding the alarm for all it was worth. A minute or two later, the merlin flew overhead and away and slowly the sparrows started chirping again and the robin quieted.
So it was wonderful to then read your description of the sparrowhawk.
Poor Steve.
Poor Steve. Never knew what hit him.
A delight, as always!
Thanks!
I watched a maelstrom of 4 kites (the killy, taloned variety) swooping around a brave handler at the national bird of prey centre at Helmsley today, snatching the globbets of meat she threw high in the air without pause and without collisions. One skimmed so low over my head I felt the rush of its wings stir my hair, giving me a tiny insight into what the last moment of its hapless prey must feel like!
I love everything you said about bird guides! I’ve been trying to articulate the requirement to memorise everything (and how it all goes out the window when you’re in the field) as the explanation for why I’m writing my Birdfolk newsletter. Way easier to read a few stories about each bird (although less thorough/scientific).
Nice sparrowhawk shot, too. I’m still waiting for my opportunity to capture one!
Thanks!
I once witnessed a sparrowhawk make a kill, it was spectacular and I got a great view from a window overlooking the garden where the action happened. Then along came domestic cat and scared the sparrowhawk away only to play halfheartedly with the prey. Sparrowhawk family deprived of a meal....
By the way I've just finished reading Why Do Birds Suddenly Disappear, brilliant read, thanks, will definitely read again.
You’re right - Why Do Birds Suddenly Disappear is a wonderful read.
Best sparrowhawk action I saw was in Notting Hill. Sparrowhawk appeared from no where angled straight between a model and the photographer on a fashion photo shoot, into a low hedge, out of the hedge with a small bird in its talons and away, all before the onlookers could fully form their gasp of surprise!
I witnessed a sparrowhawk in action, up close and personal, in the midst of lockdown. I was working from a corner of the kitchen table, facing the trees at the bottom of the garden. An inattentive dove made for easy prey and by gosh, its skill in killing was impressive in the most macabre way possible. I'm not particularly squeamish as I'm a cat owner and our beloved kitten is an accomplished murderer in her own right - but this was on another level entirely. Magnificent birds!