The garden has been quiet for the past few weeks and my better half commented that we had not seen a Sparrowhawk in the garden for some months. The blackies and finches have reappeared and on Sat morning we spotted this on the fencing at the bottom of the garden, stayed for about 20/30mins. All taken through the window.
Finally turned round to face the house to have a groom.
Looks like its feet were getting cold.
I can stand and stare like this for ever so watch it!
Just looking........
Where have all the other birds gone, no one wants to perch with me.
Lovely photo captues Tony; the Sparrowhawk is certainly an imposing looking bird with those starey eyes - very intimidating ! We used to see one on a regular basis sweeping through past our feeders but not seen one for a while now although did find a huge pile of woodpigeon feathers on the grass so it may be coming in very early or dusk time - and it must be female if its taking larger birds like the woodpigeon.
Lucky old you. I never get one in south London. Is it just me, or does it look like a young bird somehow.
Mmm they are lovely looking birds, but one that you want in someone else's garden! Nice pictures Tony.
Splendid bird :-) Always nice to see one in the garden (assuming it's not devouring one of the other visitors).
Nice photos, Tony. A good bird to get in the garden for you if not for your other feathered friends.
Unknown said:Is it just me, or does it look like a young bird somehow.
I agree, it looks like an immature male. The bill looks too dinky for a female.
A lovely visitor to have pose for you.
There's a fab picture of one on the cover of the London Bird Report 2014. This link shows it a bit:
lnhs.org.uk/.../406-london-bird-report-2014
Brilliant photos Tony, nature at it's best! Interesting story too Robbo.
Great photos Tony, striking birds aren't they, and those eyes.....
It did occur to me that it might be a juvenile bird, I have attached a picture of an adult female from earlier in the year on the fence and the new one from last week.
Not so easy to compare but but the new visitordoes look smaller. If it is a young one then that is great news for our local pair but was it shown our garden by a parent or did it just find us?
Last weeks visitor.
If anyone has any thoughts I would be interested on peoples views.
Thanks
Tony