11th October - Sparrowhawk - Fishtail Lagoon, Hampshire

Having seen the Sparrowhawk fly away once again we thought that was the end of it, but as walked alongside the bramble scrub we came across and open section that had a view across the marsh part of Fishtail.  Suddenly Ian pointed to the marsh and there on a post was the Sparrowhawk, she was completely at ease with us, we were not on top of her but at a distance where we could get some lovely images.  I felt it would only do this wonderful bird of prey justice she had a portfolio all to herself.  She didn't do to much, slight changes in position and head.

A close up of the yellow eyes.

A look right down the barrel.

I then moved to get a different background.

Again that look.

Al round scanning, at this point a small flock of Linnets were in the bushes behind us.

She kept watching them.

And started to shift her position on the post.

Lifting a leg to allow her to turn and face the Linnets.

The body moved, the head didn't the eyes firmly fixed on the area where the Linnets had been.

Showing off on one leg.

Then she took off and flew into the clump of reeds, scrambling around as if chasing something before coming out and up into the gorse bush.

Another shift in position to become face on once again.

Then just after this shot she was off, low over the top of the reeds and off in the direction of the car park.

we walked back to the car park.  A sighting like this always feels like a privilege, a chance to share some time with one of the most effective birds of prey in the country.  The steely eyes look and those formidable talons and just wonderful to look at, and it was the perfect end to a day that to start was a little disappointing.