Garden visitor
When the bird feeders suddenly have no birds around it can sometimes indicate the presence of a sparrowhawk.
This day he stayed around on the birdbath for a good 10 minutes. I'm almost certain it was a male - they are more colourful than the females with slate grey back feathers and orangey - brown bars on their chests. Females have brown colouring.
They have adapted to hunting in confined spaces and will fly along the line of a hedge to surprise their prey. We often see them fly in swiftly to the feeders although I've yet to see them catch a small bird here.
The photos were taken through the kitchen window - hence the reflection -
- and with the lens on full zoom so I could stay away from the window.
What a stunning looking bird
I agree, a really stunning bird, super photos too! We have them zipping round our conservatory at eye level, hoping to catch a bird on the feeder just round the corner.
ReplyDeleteOnce when driving home, I suddenly had one right beside me, by my wing mirror. I think it was hitching a ride in my slip stream! It stayed there for a few seconds then suddenly flew across the bonnet of the car into the hedge.
Fabulous shots!
ReplyDeleteWow, E&J are very impressed!
ReplyDeleteCountry File calendar entry next year Sue? What a beautiful bird & to see it so close. Linda
ReplyDelete