The Marmite Bird!

There are, I know, mixed feelings out there about visits to the garden by Sparrowhawks and taking the birds that we are attracting to the garden bird feeders. My wife is very much set against them and, although she wishes no harm to the Sparrowhawks, she insists on banging on the window or waving her arms to discourage them. I, however, am pleased to see them, and regard them as magnificent creatures and an indicator of the state of the environment  - although I'd prefer it if they'd not take some of our less common birds!

The male Sparrowhawk, with its orange tinged frontage, is somewhat smaller than the female, and confines its prey to the smaller species of bird.

Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) (male) - our Ashby garden on 9th October, 2020

The larger female of the species, which has the orange replaced by brown on the frontage, will take larger birds, such as Collared Doves, as prey. The one below is, I believe, a young female, having pale edges to the wing coverts and yellow, rather than orange, eyes.

Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) (female) - our Ashby garden on 23rd October, 2020

I would be interested to hear whether you see Sparrowhawks in your garden, and what your attitude towards them is!

Until the next time - take good care and stay safe - - - Richard Pegler