Wednesday 23 February 2011

Sparrowhawk Strike

Some days things just go from bad to worse, others just get better and better - today was one of those ! The weather was glorious and really felt spring was on it's way, the Swans and ducks were in great shape and when I got to the harbour I saw a splash of feathers scattered over the road. Looking over the harbour corner there was a Sparrowhawk grasping a feral Pigeon and systematically pulling breast feathers from it. The tide was on it's way in but the Hawk was busy clearing the breast and tearing at the flesh. This was the closest I have ever been to a bird of prey in action ! It was a female Sparrowhawk that had tackled a bird heavier than itself, and feasting without fear. The harbour corner was dark and I tried several settings on the camera, after being given some advice from a gentleman who was into photography and ISO settings etc. Many of the shots came out too grainy and snowy, but some have come out very well indeed. I also managed to take some video and include a short clip below showing the hawk moving the carcase out of the rising tide to higher ground ! This she did 3 times during the course of my observations. What a superb bird of prey..... Enjoy !






















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