Is this why birds have gone from garden?

[jaybie]

I have been wondering why the small birds which normally frequent my garden have not been around lately. This morning I caught some movement and was able to capture these images (not good ones though too dark)



I'm pretty sure this is a Sparrowhawk but don't know if it is a juvenile or female. Would I be right in thinking that if this is around then the small birds will make themselves scarce?

JohnB

[Acipiter]

Its a adult female, the supercilium is "quite large on this female" and it has retained some juvenile feathers in the median coverts. And yes the small birds would make them self scarce.

[faz]

yes agree with acipiter the birds will come back to your garden but so will the sparrowhak

[Acipiter]

From the look on her face in the second pic, I would say so too.

[jaybie]

Acipter - Thanks for the id/info .

faz - I hope she does comes back when the light is better

JohnB