Sparrowhawk.
Long working hours and some miserable weather has prevented me from venturing too far this past week so my WBW subject is taken from my archives during the last year or so.
Undoubtedly the boss of the garden is male Sparrowhawk. At least one male visits regularly, however I know I once had 3 individuals in the same morning, my usual un-ringed bird, a BTO metal ringed bird then this interesting observation........ a WHITE ringed bird. It would normally always be a silver metal BTO ring, however I could clearly see this was indeed white. I let my local birding group know who commented that they didn't know of any local ringing clubs using white rings. After a little internet searching I came across this Sparrowhawk ringing project edinburghhawkwatch They had sightings of their birds just across the border into England but never this far south of Scotland, So this new garden visitor was probably raised and ringed 225 miles away in Edinburgh Scotland and worked its way down into deepest England, how cool.
Long working hours and some miserable weather has prevented me from venturing too far this past week so my WBW subject is taken from my archives during the last year or so.
Undoubtedly the boss of the garden is male Sparrowhawk. At least one male visits regularly, however I know I once had 3 individuals in the same morning, my usual un-ringed bird, a BTO metal ringed bird then this interesting observation........ a WHITE ringed bird. It would normally always be a silver metal BTO ring, however I could clearly see this was indeed white. I let my local birding group know who commented that they didn't know of any local ringing clubs using white rings. After a little internet searching I came across this Sparrowhawk ringing project edinburghhawkwatch They had sightings of their birds just across the border into England but never this far south of Scotland, So this new garden visitor was probably raised and ringed 225 miles away in Edinburgh Scotland and worked its way down into deepest England, how cool.
Anyway back to my regulars.
Watching and listening for any movement
oops he's seen me
nothing doing down there either
and doing what they do best
yes this was addressed towards me as I stood by the back door
a stunningly beautiful species
Splendid looking birds. I do hope the white ringed hawk had a valid passport!
ReplyDeleteGREAT shots Dave.....good work again.
ReplyDeleteOh, wow. The second to last shot is so dramatic and the last one is beautifully focused.
ReplyDeleteAll great photos but the one with the bird "yelling" at you is fantastic!
ReplyDeleteWow, he looks to be quiet vocal.
ReplyDeleteThe shot is beautifully captured!
An incredible looking bird, marvellous captures!
ReplyDeleteWAU - where som nice pictures you show :)
ReplyDeleteGreat photos.
ReplyDeleteCool series and a neat looking hawk.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful species indeed!!!! A bit on the cranky side, but hey...if you threaten to join in on the lunch, I'd be cranky too. LOL
ReplyDeleteExcellent series Dave.
You're right Dave, a male Sparrowhawk is stunning, and your last picture too. Interesting about the Edinburgh scheme, I'll look more closely at the nest Sprawk - if I can get near enough.
ReplyDeleteAwesome photos! I'm impressed.
ReplyDeleteA great serie!
ReplyDeleteHi Dave; great photos of the Sparrowhawk and exciting to be the bearer of news re the white-banded SH. Hope the weather clears up and you get a break from work to get out there with your camera again; our soul needs it sometimes!
ReplyDeleteWonderful shots Dave...they really are a favourite bird of mine to see.
ReplyDeleteThey are beautiful and you got some great shots...love the one where it is in scolding mode...my goodness, you would think that you were up for stealing it's meal away...not ;)
ReplyDeleteQue pássaro maravilhoso!
ReplyDeleteimagens lindas!
adoro!
Zizi
Awesome shots of this gorgeous bird!
ReplyDeleteGreat bird - we had one blast right through a mist net once - it was caught by just one claw! What a bird it was.
ReplyDeleteCheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
Hi Dave. Al. Great shot but I especially like the one shouting at you!!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh what beautiful pictures (even the ones that show him with his dinner remains) and that one of him hollering at you .. I swear I can almost hear him. We have Kestral hawk that looks sort of like this
ReplyDeleteWOW .....absolutely fabulous images!!! What a beauty!!
ReplyDeleteAmazing series of shots.
ReplyDeleteAmazing shots. I wish I could capture birds with that clarity.
ReplyDeleteGreat images, Dave. There's always mixed feelings when a Sprawk arrives in our garden. Amazingly, although we see one from time to time (usually a male), we've never seen the kill. We have, however, on the odd rare occasion found the aftermath. Once had a male and female do a simultaneous pincer movement on our Rhododendron bush - the cunning was frightening!
ReplyDeletewhat a great hunter!
ReplyDeletegreat serie. It was obviously well aware of you. :)
ReplyDelete