A kestrel

The accent is on 'few' with regards to the number of sparrowhawks I've seen, mate. We've lived in our house for thirty three years and I think I've seen a grand total of four in all that time.
I was shocked to see the kestrel, but definitely hope to see this beautiful bird again.

 

Here's another person who dosent understand how ecology works.
If humans upset the balance of nature by introducing exotic species- then other species will try and readdress that balance.

Over stock fish = more cormorants.
Over stock pheasants = more buzzards.
Over stock daft fan tailed foooking doves = more peregrines and sparrowhawks.

 

For a knave.

 

I've seen two in our garden in 16 years. One years ago carrying off one of the resident blackbirds and another just last week that left behind a pile of feathers.

 

They've certainly been a rare visitor for us, the kestrel even rarer.

 

there was a time when they were classed as vermin if I remember well.

 

That's not exactly true is it, nudge?

I'm all for nature doing it's thing, but at as we live just a 30 second walk from the RSPB we get swamped by sparrowhawks, herons etc. My question is, at what point would you say enough is enough?

The protection of the Sparrowhawk is the most ridiculous bird protection law there has ever been. I can look out of my back window at any given time and I can guarantee you I will see a Sparrowhawk. Beautiful birds I'll give you that, but for livestock owners they're a nightmare. Once the female has laid these birds get desperate. We've even seen SH going after our chickens! They're a complete pest of a bird and I hope the protection is listed very soon.

If there's one bird I hate more than the SH it's the Magpie. Luckily we can deal with them very easily, I cantnstand seeing them year apart sparrow eggs and the blackies. Knowing how daft the protection of birds act is, they'll be protecting the magpies next!

I fully understand the views of them who are not bothered by the Sparrowhawk, but I guarantee you that us who have to deal with these birds daily will take a very different view to You, nudge.

We had a heron last week get tangled in our fish pond netting, I had the cut the bloody thing out! Prehistoric things they are. Hopefully that's one heron that won't be returning.

 

its wick with magpies around me ( monk Bretton) and I think I've got a couple of bats

 

After that description - I know where you live now.
Down by the church.

After reading some of your past posts I thought you were quite normal - well normal in comparison to some on here.
But NOPE !!!
As nutty as most on here - advocating killing birds of prey.

I'm starting to believe theres only me that's not daft on this message board.
That's other than Conan, Hemsy and Dragon of course.
Oh - and BigLil always strikes me as a lovely fella the few times I've met him.

 

I wonder why.......

 

Aye, right on the bottom of the street. We back onto the river. Beautiful area.

I'm quite honoured to be called nuts by you, nudge. Thanks. I think you are quite nutty too! We all have different opinions pal, but we ha e to deal with it daily. Not good.

 

You live near a church too?

 

Thank you, Nudge. I have to say that's also what I've thought of you when we've met.

 

Thank you(!)

 

Self and Lady Kaht saw a kestrel off Filey Brigg a few weeks back. To be fair, it took a consultation with Grandfathertyke to help us identify what we'd seen. Quite a stiff breeze, but this one was hovering so still I thought at first it must be sat on a telephone cable I couldn't see. But no - just using what nature gave it to hover quite still in that breeze. Not wishing to come over all billy Casper like but it were as if time was stood still.

 

Right - that's me and you against the rest of them - just point out who they are - and then leave it to me and I'll stab them

 

Nah! I think my grappling skills are a bit rusty, so I fancy dishing out some body slams!

 

That would do it.
Just tag me when tha wants a drink.

 

Brilliant!
Just choked on my red wine!