This customer came to dinner at my al-fresco restaurant yesterday.
From the budding apple tree he surveyed the dining room, looking in all directions and taking his time. A lone starling, presumably a brainless one, flew to the feeding station and had a lucky escape when he saw me and flew away again.
This was the moment the starling thought better of it. (photo kindly embellished by Tee-Jay due to the fact I had part of the shed roof along the bottom edge, which he was able to remove and replace with a spare branch - thank you TJ, much appreciated.) Then the hungry would-be diner eyeballed me, and it was quite worrying, but I stood my ground.
He clearly didn't like the look of me, not as tasty as a starling, so he left empty taloned. I hope he found a meal, but in someone else's garden!
Cheers, Linda.
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Hi Sparrow,
Great pics of your Sparrowhawk,your list Is getting longer well done!
Littleowl
Aye .....
BIRDING PARTY AT SPARROWS HOUSE !!!!!!!!!!!!!
lol
Cheers
AL
If its no fun Yer no doin it right!
Hi Sparrow
Well done with the superb photograph
Now that is one handsome speciman indeed {thumbs up}
Gosh if looks could kill - he has that i am hungry look on his face
Glad the Starling escaped in this case.
Regards
Kathy and Dave
Unknown said: BIRDING PARTY AT SPARROWS HOUSE !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Everyone welcome - bring a bottle and some gardening tools!!!!
Thank you again everyone. It wasn't a first visit by the sparrowhawk, but the first time he stayed long enough to get him on my new camera. The apple tree is his favourite look out post. It is in next door's garden, just over and touching the fence, so I pretend it's mine, and he was attempting to use my garden facilities, ie my birds!!!
Great photos Sparrow! I have to admit I laughed at your thinking it was a Chaffinch, not much difference ;o)
Anyway, I have the visiting Chaffinches at the moment, lol!
Have to say I find that photo of him looking at the camera particularly creepy - those eyes are so menacing!
Stunning shots Sparrow!
"All weeds are flowers, once you get to know them" (Eeyore)
My photos on Flickr
Thanks Paul and MarJus.
Yes, I must remember to learn the difference between a chaffinch and a sparrowhawk!!!!!!!!