Between a shadow and the wrath of God

[STYRBJORN]

I read a wonderful piece of nature writing by Simon Barnes in The Times today, 05/03/2011, titled "Death on folded wings". He starts with a visit to Lackford Lakes to see the tree sparrows, "dapper little birds". He goes on to say,

"I went back to have a final look, and instead of tree sparrows I saw a sinister shadow. Fizzing just over my head and flattening itself against the hedge-line, moulding itelf to the countryside, exploiting every fragment of cover. Bursting on the open area like a silent thunderclap.

"It was a sparrowhawk. Well of course it was. . . . The sparrowhawk is a genius at ambush and concealment and speed. . . . Sparrowhawks are remarkable birds. I have seen slow-motion film of a sparrowhawk jinking between the trunks of dense woodland, folding its wings to pass through eye-of-the-needle gaps and unfolding them on the far side to maintain the breakneck - perhaps that should be breakwing - pace. I have heard of a sparrowhawk passing at full speed through the 1ft alley between two houses, to spring a surprise at the bird table on the far side - and frightening the hell out of the gardening human being at the far end.

"If you see a bird that is somewhere between a shadow and the wrath of God, you've seen a sparrowhawk. . . .
"Love them. Cherish them. Birds of prey live far more precarious lives than the song birds they prey on. Sparrowhawks are the masters and mistresses of high-speed ambush; one of Britain's and the wild world's wonders."

Nothing I can add.

Ric

[Farplace]

Amazing piece of writing. And Oh So True!

[Goatboy]

Really enjoy Simon's writings. He conveys what we all think but could never express in words, which I guess is why he gets paid to write.

One note though. I can't help thinking that the footage of a sparrowhawk folding it's wings through the trees is actually referring to the footage of a Goshawk filmed by Simon King in 2009.

Still, he is always a good read.

[sunnydale]

Originally Posted by Goatboy

R
One note though. I can't help thinking that the footage of a sparrowhawk folding it's wings through the trees is actually referring to the footage of a Goshawk filmed by Simon King in 2009.

Yes, that was my first thought too!

Tracey

[Ukwildlifeo]

Originally Posted by Goatboy

One note though. I can't help thinking that the footage of a sparrowhawk folding it's wings through the trees is actually referring to the footage of a Goshawk filmed by Simon King in 2009.

Still, he is always a good read.

Im pretty sure Ive seen footage of a sparrowhawk hunting in slow-mo on a wildlife on one/natural world type programme. It was done before springwatch, just not in HD super slow motion.