Garden Wildlife UK

Placido wrote:

Sprawk 006 (640x480).jpg

Actually went outside to take this to see how close I could get because they will allow it if they're in the mood. This was from about 7 ft in full view. Tried to get closer but it had had enough and flew off.

I would say you were lucky to get that close.

Dear Lord! That sure is a magnificent bird, but I have to say I'm happy she/he is not hanging around my bird feeders
I totally understand that they kill in order to survive, its the way things work, but still, I can't help but feel sad for that poor blackbird

One less little beak to feed . Sprawk was lucky today. It was either a sparrow or a dunnock.
Didn't actually see the strike, just the meal afterwards .

Not seen one here for a quite a long time now. Perhaps it got put off because it never actually caught anything.

Although a Sprawk strike usually terrorises the birds they rarely disappear for long.
I haven't seen mine for some time. I'm not even sure it comes anymore.

First sight this morning - a small heap of sparrow feathers on the lawn. Sprawk's breakfast .

Placido wrote: ↑

Wed Apr 10, 2019 5:06 pm

First sight this morning - a small heap of sparrow feathers on the lawn. Sprawk's breakfast .

It is upsetting but Sprawks may well have hatchlings to feed at present so a steady supply of food is vital for them.

Several weeks ago I posted seeing a female Sparrowhawk between the feeder and the hedge. Obviously it had been unsuccessful in getting a meal. Last night my wife and myself were bowling and can home about 9pm. There were a lot of feathers out front and what was left of a Collared Dove. The Sparrowhawk must have been back and had a successful kill. Can't say I have seen many Collared Doves on the bird table today.

Collared Dove on bird table about five minutes ago. First one since the Sparrowhawk attack.

Went out with the afternoon feed at around 14:30 this afternoon. Then boiled a kettle. Happen to look out of the kitchen window and could see something large on the sparrow feeder. Cor blimey, was only a sparrow hawk. Don't think it was lucky, so went into sitting room to look out that window as it was nearer, but it flew off. Been a while since one has actually landed in the garden. Quiet out there now.