Three almost identical shots today, the only difference being in the extent of the crop (from none, to quite a lot).
I'd gone to Falmer Pond before work. It was quiet apart from the ducks which have taken to sitting on the churchyard wall, but then in the distance I noticed a lone bird perched on the roof of the parish council building. At first glance I assumed a pigeon, or maybe a collared dove; but something told me otherwise. I was right to look again: it was one of the local sparrowhawks. It quickly moved away, but not before I'd taken a few shots. The first shot is uncropped.
And that was more or less that for the day. Lunchtime was another exercise in dodging showers (successfully), and I've discovered some new areas to explore over the coming weeks. The only notable wildlife sighting was this yellowhammer.
I even managed to get a shot of it on the wing.
Those last two shots were taken high on a hill overlooking the two university campuses. Brighton University is in the foreground; and Sussex is just behind it (there's actually a four-lane road and a railway track in between them). 
Camera note: all shots taken with the Canon 7D and EF 400mm f/5.6L USM lens except the 'two universities' which was taken with the EF 100mm f/2.8L macro IS USM lens.
derWandersmann
13 Apr 2012The raptor profile grabbed your attention subconsciously, I'll wager.
The yellowhammer in flight is a lovely shot; a pity you couldn't get closer.
claudeb
13 Apr 2012The sparrowhawk doesn't need telephoto lens to look back at you… :eyes:
gdare
13 Apr 2012Originally posted by claudeb:
Exactly :eyes:
😆
SittingFox
16 Apr 2012I like the perched yellowhammer – nice mix of colours.
And that hawk really is staring :eyes:
Words
16 Apr 2012Felix, yes they certainly have sharp eyes!
Words
16 Apr 2012Darko, they do look like they are wearing flying goggles!
Words
16 Apr 2012Adele, thanks. The sparrowhawk was the star, but the yellowhammer knows how to pose.
Words
16 Apr 2012dW, I see the sparrowhawk fairly regularly at that sight, but it's usually gone before I can get a shot. I didn't crop the yellowhammer, but the quality wouldn't take much of a crop so I left it like that. A decent yellowhammer in flight is on my long list of 'to get' shots.
anonymous
18 Apr 2012El Gordo writes:
Nice shots of the sparrowhawk, I live in Woodingdean and over the last 18 months a sparrowhawk has visited my back garden three times – once to drink from the birdbath, and twice for a deadlier purpose – making shortwork of two collared doves. Unfortunately I did not have my camera to hand on these occasions but I hope to capture him (it was a male) on a future visit. A truly beutiful creature!
Words
20 Apr 2012El Gordo, they are wonderful birds to see and that sounds like three excellent sightings.