Nature in the raw

[Mr Mag00]

I think i read it requires the equivalent of 50 acres of woodland to raise a sparrowhawk family in one season. Taking into account the small birds it preys on,which inturn need caterpillars to feed their chicks etc etc

[bendog]

I saw a kestrel take one of the many starlings that visit our garden - my first thought? Where's my camera? lol

[jennyb]

Thanks for all the advice, everyone. I realise that this is nature, but when you actually witness the kill, you feel rather different than finding a heap of feathers on the lawn, which I have done on many occasions!

Usually the feathers are pigeons or collared doves and I always assumed that the buzzard was taking them (I watched a buzzard having breakfast one morning just down the hill from the house but did not have my camera!). I did not realise that sparrow hawks took such big prey.

I am now trying to keep my camera at the ready.

BTW, change of subject but I saw a tree creeper for the first time in the garden today. I was a bit too far away for a decent photo, but now that I know where they hang out, I will try to get a better picture next time.

Jenny

[jennyb]

Originally Posted by Mr Mag00

I think i read it requires the equivalent of 50 acres of woodland to raise a sparrowhawk family in one season. Taking into account the small birds it preys on,which inturn need caterpillars to feed their chicks etc etc

Interesting. I was avidly watching the blue tits in the nesting box earlier this year and the number of caterpillars that went in there to feed their young was amazing (both parents flying in with a mouthful every few minutes for days on end). So, multiply that by the number of tits and the figure is staggering! I can't imagine where all the caterpillars came from.

Jenny

[Lincs Yellowbelly]

We have a pair of Sparrowhawk visit the garden quite a bit, mainly throughout the winter months, or at least thats when we see them we also have a pair that use the lake i go to, seen them swooping about the trees on several occasions after birds and you can often find the feathers of doves and blue tits, i also found the wings of a starling hung in a tree during the winter, another victim of the sparrowhawk i reckon

I really love Sparrowhawks and would go as far as to say they are my favourate bird

[jennyb]

Originally Posted by Lincs Yellowbelly

I really love Sparrowhawks and would go as far as to say they are my favourate bird

There is something awe-inspiring about all raptors. They are a bit scary really.

Jenny

[JeffH]

Originally Posted by jennyb

There is something awe-inspiring about all raptors. They are a bit scary really.

Jenny

You're absolutely right Jenny and for all those with a love for/interest in raptors may I give a small plug for the Hawk and Owl Trust. I've been a member for many years now and they do some great work. Check out their website - www.hawkandowl.org

JeffH