Hobby harrassing starlings

snake · #1 (**permalink**) 24-08-2011, 10:24 PM

This morning I was watching a flock of starlings feeding amongst the reeds at the edge of a ditch.
As I watched I could see a hobby heading towards the reedbed.
As he got over the ditch all the starling took flight and formed a tight ball before flying off.
The hobby missed his meal and landed on top of a pole and just sat there watching them go,

Better luck next time.

The Hobby is the bird at the top of the flock.

htcdude · #2 (**permalink**) 25-08-2011, 07:45 AM

Them Starlings are quick, especially when they're flocked together like that.

Well captured again snake

Nige

The Woodman · #3 (**permalink**) 25-08-2011, 07:57 AM

Another interesting observation captured for all to see and enjoy, snake. Good work!

I once had the thrill of watching a Peregrine trying to catch a Teal from a large flock weaving at speed through large willows at the edge of a river. It didn't catch one either.

PMG · #4 (**permalink**) 25-08-2011, 08:16 AM

About 18 months ago I watched two sparrowhawks trying to heard and catch starlings coming into roost at Marton Mere Reserve near Blackpool. They harried and boosted the birds up each time they tried to land and go down the reed stems to roost. It made for a fantastic aerial show against the sunset and worth thinking about any clear evening when a decent sunset is possible! The bonus is (and I;ve seen a couple of fantastic shots) that Blackpool tower is in the sunset as welll as the birds! The spawks didn't get a meal either as far as I could tell ..........

Pauline