Unfortunately no photos for this part of the blog as my camera was upstairs so I just had to make do with my binoculars. I had just returned from shopping and was sitting having a coffee when there was a commotion outside in the garden - lots of flapping etc. I am quite used to the fact that a very large wood pigeon, the size of a duck, scatters all the birds when he comes into land, partly because he literally shakes them off the feeder, but this time it was accompanied by frantic alarms from all and sundry. I looked up to see a juvenile male sparrow hawk had just landed. He must have been inexperienced as he missed whatever it was he was aiming for as they all headed for the beech hedge. He spent about 5 minutes walking around the garden trying to look very nonchalant before eventually flying off. I can't help thinking that they are very beautiful, even thought they are so predatory, but that is nature, and this time there was no blood shed anyway so all remains harmonious.
I was also startled as I walked out into the garden the other day to see a huge ladybird just above the hedge. No, it was not one of the foreign species that has apparently invaded our shores, but a little alarming nevertheless, as these ladybirds do not usually fly so low. He did, however,manage to clear a nearby tree and continue on his way.
Until next time, happy sewing
Maggi
Not usually a bird you expect to see wandering around the garden, lucky you to get a chance to see him up close
ReplyDeleteWe have a kestrelthat appears each evening to scatter the roosting starlings. He takes a rest perched on one of my trees. A beautiful bird
ReplyDeleteLove and hugs Gina xxx
How wonderful to see a bird of prey a close quarters, but not so good for the rest of the garden inhabitants. Love the ladybird. A balloon passed over our house very low a few weeks back and I fully expected it to be on the local news that it had landed in someone's garden. Obviously it managed to get some lift again.
ReplyDeleteHow lucky to see such a beautiful bird so close, what a treat!! Ros
ReplyDeleteWow! The only excitement that happens in my yard, is that a neighbor comes home late, or the occasional cat fight! Sounds like free entertainment there where you live! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteWe used to get hot air balloons over our old house. They do look magnificent but I should think the sight of the sparrowhawk eclipsed it.
ReplyDeleteWonderful shot of the ladybird!
ReplyDeleteAnd what an adventure with the nonchalant walking, but stunning sparrow hawk.
Hi Maggi, We used to have a sparrow hawk come into our garden and he used to sit in a big hawthorn tree until an unsuspecting bird flew into it and then he would pounce on it.
ReplyDeleteThats a stunning photo Maggi...well caught.
ReplyDeleteI watched a sparrow hawk dismantling a pigeon in next doors garden a few weeks ago.....I've never seen so much mess. The funny part was when the neighbour came home and stood staring at his lawn - it looked like the contents of a dozen feather pillows had been dumped there !!! (Not easy to clean up)
Scratch my lurcher would go barmy if the balloon came over the garden here. Thanks for visiting my blog.
ReplyDeleteFaithx
Hi
ReplyDeleteIt was good to meet you last weekend (fingers crossed its you anyway, if not I do apologise). I've finshed the swan & will put a photo on my blog this weekend. Love your photo, we get barn owls round here.
Angela