Sparrow Hawk

[czwotzit]

_R5_6685.jpg
I have a number of bird feeders in my back garden because I enjoy seeing the variety that come to feed . I live in the centre of Barnsley so its an urban environment and the I tend to get Pigeons, starlings, blackbirds etc. But so far i've had three visits by a sparrow hawk. once for a starling and this was the second pigeon. He/she has to pluck the victim before carrying it away because its too heavy. I had to be quick to change lens and get to where I could see it . Taken on an R5 with 100-500 @500 handheld f8 1/500th iso 8000. I didn't have time to check what the settings were before taking the shots.

[tigerburnie]

That's a nice shot of a female Spar

[czwotzit]

Thanks. How can you tell its a female?

[Trev B]

Great capture, well done

[Bill53]

Well captured.

[tigerburnie]

Thanks. How can you tell its a female?

This time of year the males are blue/grey the females are brown to aid camouflage on the nest.

[El Sid]

A well taken opportunity is that.

[czwotzit]

Thanks everyone its appreciated

[antoeknee]

Seem to be an increasing feature of urdan gardens with feeders. We were at Martin Mere yesterday and one hide has some feeders in front. Suddenly everything scattered, prompted by blue tit alarm call, just before a male spar swooped through the clearing. Left without a catch.

Do you visit Old Moor?

[czwotzit]

Yes I have been to Old Moor a couple of times and now my daughter has bought me an RSPB membership as a birthday present :)