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Some weeks ago I lamented the fact we hadn't seen a Collared Sparrowhawk in
the back yard for about three years, whereas we used to see them a few
times every 12 months. Then, about noon on Thursday I happened to be looking out
the lounge window and saw one gliding swiftly towards our place. It was headed
into a fairly brisk breeze and, when about 10m above the ground, rocked its
wings vigorously. I've heard people say descending birds do this to spill the
air from their wings, but I don't understand. Anyone? This particular
hawk continued on hedgehopping, clearing fences and shrubs by less
than a metre, appearing to land a few back yards removed from mine. I think the
hedgehopping is part of their hunting tactics.
Later that afternoon, while checking the letter box, one flew from a shrub
in next door's front garden but didn't appear to go far. At 0630 today, after a
light but lengthy rain shower I saw another perched on my back fence just
2m from a neighbour's house. It was very small (a male I guess), remarkably pale
plumage and very wet. I won't say it looked like a drowned rat as such a
comparison would seem to disparage such a feisty little predator.
John Layton.
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