Sparrowhawk Confirmed.

Copyright © Mark Kelly 2025

This morning, Thursday 4th September, I trudged downstairs after waking, still half-asleep, and headed for the kitchen. Towels. I remembered I'd left towels in the tumble dryer, which is set-up in the garage. So off I go, and as I open the inner door leading to the utility room added to the back of our house - small, but double-glazed and good enough for storage of dog leads, coats, etc - I stop and stare.

What I initially thought was a rain-drenched Wood Pigeon, sat on our garden seat set-up, was in fact a Sparrowhawk. It was in the process of eating its morning kill, feathers strewn about its feet and the table upon which it feasted - rather ironic.

So it would seem my little feathered friend was not the victim of a Magpie as suspected, but of this Sparrowhawk.

I didn't disturb it, as it is nature doing what nature does, and I know some reading this might be of the opinion that I should have shooed it away, but the meal it was engaged in was beyond recognisable, and nothing would be gained.

Copyright ©. Mark Kelly 2025

The Sparrowhawk was very bold, standing, looking at me, then carrying on feeding. It eventually tired of my watching, and took off, taking the remains of its meal with it, leaving behind a tale of feathered-woe. A sad sight for sure. I immediately cleared the area, primarily because it was a mess, but also, I didn't want either of my dogs to be nibbling on bits of carrion that they'd undoubtedly sniff out - and as if to reinforce that thinking, after having swept and hosed the area down, when Chica went out he garden, she immediately went to the table and was giving it a very thorough sniff, even though to my eyes, it was pristine and clean.

An hour later, I fed the goldfish in our small pond, and put the bird feed out at the usual feeding locations around the garden. Within ten minutes the place was a bustling feather & beak parade - I counted nearly thirty birds at one time, a mix of Collared Doves, Wood Pigeons, Sparrows, a Crow,  two Magpies and a rabble of Jackdaws.

Life goes on.

I leave you with another hauntingly beautiful piece by Lisa Gerrard - "Sanvean - I Am Your Shadow".