Just glad I didn't see it!

[Pam_M]

Feeling elated this morning after seeing a Goldfinch on my nyger feeder (a first after a long wait), a Spotted Flycatcher and a Hobby all yesterday, I have just been brought down to earth!

Just left my PC after catching up on forums to make a coffee and what do I see on the lawn...2 piles of feathers and odd feathers scattered down the path of my garden!

I hadn't long put out the ground feed and it now looks as though one of the Woodies is breakfast for a Sparrowhawk and probably it's young!
I know it's nature but I still find it sad to think I have fed the birds, encouraging them into my garden and now one has been taken!

Thank goodness there are more highs than lows in nature watching!

[NickCantle]

Originally Posted by Pam_M

I know it's nature but I still find it sad to think I have fed the birds, encouraging them into my garden and now one has been taken! !

Well Pam, you've provided a Sparrowhawk with a good, healthy meal because of the effort you put into feeding your birds well. It's all relative

[Pam_M]

Originally Posted by NickCantle

Well Pam, you've provided a Sparrowhawk with a good, healthy meal because of the effort you put into feeding your birds well. It's all relative

I know, Nick, but it still doesn't stop my heart sinking when I look at the feather piles! I am hoping they will be gathered for nesting!

[ron1863]

I wouldn't worry too much as the Wood Pigeon population is going through the roof. At least the bridsof prey are benefitting.

[Pam_M]

Originally Posted by ron1863

I wouldn't worry too much as the Wood Pigeon population is going through the roof. At least the bridsof prey are benefitting.

Indeed they are benefitting, Ron! I counted 12 Woodies in the garden this morning just after I put the food out! 11 tomorrow!

[agrumpycow]

Same here, Pam, I went outside to a pile of blackbird feathers on our lawn this morning. I just hope it's not from on of the two pairs we have visiting who seem to be collecting for and feeding young at the moment
But as Nick says, it's all relative, even though it's not nice.

[Pam_M]

Originally Posted by agrumpycow

Same here, Pam, I went outside to a pile of blackbird feathers on our lawn this morning. I just hope it's not from on of the two pairs we have visiting who seem to be collecting for and feeding young at the moment
But as Nick says, it's all relative, even though it's not nice.

I expect we will be seeing and hearing more of 'piles of feathers' as the weeks go by, Claire!

Hope it wasn't one of your Blackbird pairs! Chin up!

[Pam_M]

Well the feathers are thankfully being put to good use!

I have just had a splendid looking Carrion Crow in the garden polishing off the dried up hot cross buns that I put out earlier!

[wild_as_kate]

I would have loved to have seen it... hope no-one thinks I'm horrible for thinking that, but I'm betting it would have been quite magnificent

[squishy]

just think - if a sparrowhawk can survive around your garden, it means that your population of birds is large and healthy enough to sustain it