Hi all,
About an hour ago I was awoken by the sound of a new songbird in my garden. I decided to explore but only saw some animated magpies. Then I saw this! As I've said before I am new to this but I'm convinced I know what it is and would like some clarification from you experts! :) To help, he/she was noticably smaller than a wood pigeon, he had a very dark covering which you can clearly see here. His/her underside was much paler and was beige to almost white. He was in the shadows during his visit and so it was difficult to spot more intricate detail.
After this shot was taken he jumped to the ground, very sneakily, in between the fence you can see and the sheds in that area. The sheds are covered by a large conifer tree. He disappeared for 30-40 seconds and in that time, 2 Magpies were startled out from the Conifer Tree. This bird then re-emerged empty-handed and flew off. I am convinced that when I very first started birding, I spotted a similar bird but was too inexperienced to identify it. So over to you all! Hope you can help!
Thanks
Steve
I won't be happy until I've got a penguin down :)
Sparrow Hawk, looks like a male bird. They can be very sneaky
For viewing or photography right place right time is everything. I'd rather be in the right place with poor kit than have the best kit and be in the wrong place.
Hi there,
Thanks for clarifying this. Am glad you said male Sparrowhawk as that's what I thought but was too shy to say! I think he must be quite hungry as he took many risks to get food. Was awe inspiring to see him in action though.
Thanks again,
Hi Steve,
It's more than definitely a male Sparrowhawk! You're very lucky to one of these lovely birds of prey visit your garden. They do sometimes hang around peoples gardens who feed the smaller birds because they think it's an easy feeding ground for them but normally they're more unsuccessful than successful in catching any prey and that what it sounds like you have witnessed.
Regards Daniel
Hi Daniel,
Thanks aswell. Yeah its great isn't it. I feel very lucky. As I've said he startled magpies in the tree which lead me to believe he went for one of them. The only other bird I saw in the area was a House Sparrow but he arrived in the very top of the tree and after the attack had started. I think maybe the Sparrow has been nesting in the tree and went in to protect the nest? As I say, I have limited knowledge of these birds habits so that is just a stab in the dark. From what I saw he was more than likely after a magpie.
Hello Steve,
Sparrowhawks are truly amazing birds of prey. They rely and speed and ambush to catch their prey, often using natural or man-made features to spring such a surprise. Whilst the diet of the Sparrowhawk is mainly birds, their presence in your garden can be used as a good indicator of a healthy small bird population.If there is a pair around, keep an eye out for the female. She will be much larger than the male and rather than having the pinky orange chest, hers will be pale with brown barring. Her back will be grey brown in colour. Female sparrowhawks can catch prey as large as wood pigeons on occassion.
http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/s/sparrowhawk/index.aspx
Hi Mrs T.,
Thank you for the link and the info. I will definitely be looking out for both the male return and a possible female. As I say though, I feel he was taking large risks in feeding here as there are many hazards for them. So I'm not convinced I'll see them often.
With regards to our bird population I recently read that my town (Dagenham, East London) had the highest concentrating of both Starlings and House Sparrows in the RSPB's 2006 gardenwatch survey. I think having seen the sparrowhawk and also from my own viewing in this area, we still have a very high concentration of both locally. In fact, at times, I thought that's all we had here! :)
Regards
Hi Steve
Hello, and welcome to the RSPB Forum
Great picture of your Sparrowhawk, and a great bird to see in your area.
Kathy and Dave
Hi Kathy/Dave,
Thanks for this. As I've said it was a great thing to be woken up to. :)
Have been reading the details of your Menorca trip last year. Wow! I wouldn't even know where to start with half of the birds you saw! :) Looks like you had a great time and I hope it is the same this year for you.
Hello Steve, What a fantastic sight to see first thing in the morning and you were able to photograph. Thank you.
Aye Steve
Fantastic shot of the Male Sparrowhawk there . One of my most fave birds. Cant get enough of them lol
Hope I can take a pic as half as good as that Thanks for putting it up
Cheers
AL
If its no fun Yer no doin it right!