On the 12 December whilst sat at a bedroom window I spotted, out of the corner of my eye, what can only be described as a “Blur” near the garden fence. This was followed immediately by a puff of feathers and soon afterwards a cacophony of cries from circling carrion crows, magpies and gulls.
I initially thought a cat had taken a sparrow or a pigeon again. However our neighbour popped by a couple of minutes later saying a Sparrowhawk was sat in her garden devouring a pigeon. I nipped outside, poked my head over the fence and sure enough their she was, Mrs Sparrowhawk still tucking into her unfortunate victim. I was able to get some good footage of her as she continued to feast, despite her clearly knowing I was there.
Sparrowhawks are of course frequently seen in gardens, where thanks to their aerial agility they are able to navigate between obstacles almost effortlessly.
Another example of the wealth of wildlife that shares our homes and gardens and why the more effort and space we set aside for wildlife, the more we should be able to support amazing animals such as the Sparrowhawk, and of course its prey.
DC: 15/12/2023
Wildlife Garden 