She was in our garden again this afternoon, this time a sparrow-sized bird was clutched in one set of talons. Later inspection of the murder scene revealed black tail feathers lined with white, so most likely a chaffinch. The area has been taped off, SOCOs are on site
Funny you should mention that Philippa. There was a Gordon R, Jamie O, Gino D and Nigella L. Maybe a newfangled Christmas dinner with a chaffinch twist?
You must have a female @philippa smith2 as it's taking that size prey. Also its unusual that it would get a Jackdaw as they protect their group so would chase a Sparrow hawk away.
I was just stood out by the greenhouse making sure everything was storm-proof and the female sparrowhawk came and landed on the fence about four metres away from me. I can't have been too human-shaped in my waterproofs as she took no notice of me at all. I was surprised to see her at all in this wind and rain though but it must make good hunting weather.
If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
We're now getting a female sparrowhawk swooping along the terrace most mornings who then sits in the magnolia tree right next to the bird feeders As you say Floralies. waiting for an easy breakfast!
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Mine was after a wood pigeon yesterday.