The sparrowhawk is one of the most successful predators of small birds. During much of the year it will concentrate on taking fledglings, but sparrowhawks will take any weaker bird from a flock, and the larger females will easily take out a wood pigeon. This behaviour makes them one of the less popular sights among other bird species who will generally do their level best to see them off. Gulls tend to mob sparrowhawks in number, but corvids are relentlessly bold and a lone bird will often give chase. The aim is simply to drive the sparrowhawk to a more distant feeding ground. It's not as risky a strategy as it might sound. Like many raptors, the sparrowhawk depends on its dive speed to catch prey.
I took this short sequence over the garden this morning.
The sparrowhawk eventually gave up trying to defend the airspace, sweeping away in a steep dive to outrun its tormentor.
Camera note: all shots taken with the EF 400mm f/5.6L USM lens.
6 Comments
That crow gave it a hard time being around 😆
Darko, yes it's tough being a hawk!
Thanks Erwin!
Crows. Nothing quite like them :whistle:
Nearest I can get to a smiley for them… :pirate:
A Great set of photos :up: