Worcestershire Record No. 22 April 2007 p. 9

SPARROWHAWK SIGHTINGS

Mike Southall

Reading the recent articles on Sparrowhawk feeding behaviour brings to mind several observations from the past. I recall working in my garden and hearing several calls coming from the lane on the other side of my front hedge. These calls put me in mind of a baby in pain as I had young children at that time. I went to investigate and came upon a Sparrowhawk pinning down a Great-spotted Woodpecker. As soon as I appeared, the birds took off in opposite directions. By calling out, the Woodpecker had effectively saved its own life.

On another occasion I was walking along the side of a coppice when a Sparrowhawk attacked a starling which had been in the coppice. Again the Sparrowhawk left very quickly when it saw me. The Starling dropped like a stone into the coppice. On investigation the Sparrowhawk had removed half of the Starlings skull with the single strike, killing it instantly.

I have also witnessed a Sparrowhawk plucking a Wood Pigeon while the bird was still alive. Nature, red in tooth and claw, or rather bill and talon.

WBRC Home Worcs Record Listing by Issue Worcs Record Listing by Subject