Swallows mob Sparrowhawk

[nightshade]

I was camping at Penhale farm nr.Fowey (I do a lot of camping nowdays)
When I saw an explosion of birds rise from behind the farm buildings.
A large bird detached itself from the melee and flew towards me,leaving
most of the small birds behind but it was still hotly pursued by Swallows
The Swallows dive bombed and harried the hawk actually making its feathers lift
as they pressed home their attacks,this continued until they disappeared from view
I have never witnessed Swallows being so aggressive before

[jj-harrishawker]

they know the sparrowhawk is a threat, a predator. therefore they will do all they can to drive it away from there nesting sites etc. but tend not to be too risky as they dive bomb from above but dont get too close, i see this alot with crows whilst out with the hawks.

[Dan Salter]

i have seen all sorts of birds mobbing sparrowhawks, marsh harriers etc...including housemartins! so your swallows are not that brave