Sparrowhawk

Had a really fab day.

Went with MT for lunch at Riccarton Garden Centre, bought a few plants & treated my friend to a plant with lots of pinky white flowers.

When at garden centre, rescued two chickens, one which was a speedy devil back over the fence. Then tried to shoosh a goat away from the food bin & back over the fence to the pony field. Not much I could do about the circling buzzards though.

Turns out the goat stands on the pony & jumps the fence, it was quite tame & follows folk up to the shop if it's out from the field. Brought back happy memories of a child spending summer holidays on farms.

Was sitting at home when heard something hit the window. Went downstairs & as I opened the back door to check for injured bird when stepping out disturbed the sparrowhawk sitting on dazed pigeon. The distraction caused the pigeon to fly over the hedge with sparrowhawk in pursuit.

It obviously didn't get the pigeon as the sparrowhawk appeared back sitting on the whirligig looking around. At one point it flew down into the garden, thought it was awaiting the pigeons to return to the feeder. It then flew back up to the whirligig. Watched it for a while looking around the garden listening to the different sounds that might have been small birds, mice or toads. Seemed quite contented.

I couldn't move from the seat next to the window in case I disturbed it & the camera can only zoom so far, but great to just watch.

Blip of bird of prey looking down at the strawberry patch where there must have been some interesting rustles.

Extras:


There was something interesting above right of my window which I couldn't see but the bird could.


Sparrowhawk preening its chest feathers before it flew off.