The Sparrowhawk - A Ruthless Opportunist Killer!

After a year long absence a male Sparrowhawk turned up this morning, perched on our neighbour's roof eyeing up our bird feeder. It left empty handed, but it made us all aware of how cunning Sparrowhawks are in their search for an easy meal.

It looks like the same bird that visited in July 2012, as it has a ring on its right leg. Either these birds hunt within a very small area, or they have a very good memory as to where to find food! The Sparrowhawk is the ultimate opportunist killer of small birds. Whilst the female will take birds as large as wood pigeons, the smaller male would target smaller prey like blue tits.