Quote:
Originally Posted by Norfolk Girl  Forgive me if this subject has been covered many times before in forums - I daresay it has. But I have a sparrowhawk who regularly visits my garden.
So far I haven't actually seen him/her actually make a kill, I have seen it eating its catch under my pear tree. My gardener suggested moving the bird table nearer trees and shrubs, because "they like a clear path to get to their prey". As I've established from reading the sparrowhawk's description on your site, that is not true!
Since re-siting the bird table, I've seen it sitting on the fence the other side, to get a better view. This morning I couldn't believe it when I saw one sitting in the pear tree, next to the large seed feeder!
I know they have to eat, as we all do, but I just don't like the idea of seeing one of these sparrowhawks taking one of my 'little feathered friends'. So at the moment, as soon as I spot one I scare it off.
Just wondered how most other fellow WAB followers felt about this - should I feel privileged? |
Hello,
personally I wouldn't scare it off, as you say the sprawk does need to eat just like the rest do. I rarely ever get any hawk attacks because my feeders are under a canopy which if a overhead flying sparrowhawk was to pass, it wouldn't be able to see the other birds on the feeders.
It is however the circle of life and must be left to its own device. If i'm being honest, I love watching predator birds at work they are quite fascinating.