Birdwatching - sparrow hawks

Sparrowhawks don't just live in the countryside!

About 2 years ago, we put out bird-feeders in the garden, which is right in Shoreham town center. A small flock of sparrows made them home. But obviously sharp eyes were watching, and we have seen the hawks strike several times, at least twice successfully. Clearly, they were not just passing, but regularly inspect the feeders for food thats to their liking!

Sparrow hawks are incredibly agile and suprisingly small - though I once saw one chase a collared dove.

some photos

These photos show a young sparrowhawk that must have stunned itself against a window. It was found just standing on a box lid right by the house, and made no move to fly away. Following RSPB suggestions the hawk was then put in a dark box, in the hope that it would recover, but sadly it died.