I’ve seen this bird of prey in the field before, but today was the first time I was able to get a picture. I finished up taking a movie and caught her flying off. The following pictures are from the movie and confirm that it is a female or juvenile sparrowhawk (accipiter nisus). I find taking photos and then checking the books a great way of identifying birds, insects and flowers. Felt a bit like Deckard in Bladerunner!
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October 7, 2008 at 6:44 pm
Looks like a Kestrel to me. (No offence!)
October 7, 2008 at 7:26 pm
Actually, looking at the pictures again I think you may be right.
November 11, 2008 at 9:42 am
Hi guys.
I have to agree with Natureheads; it is definitely a Kestrel. And they get lots where they are. Having said that, I do believe Kestrel numbers are declining, as you don’t see anything like as many alongside motorways these days. I see more Buzzards than Kestrels in the county currently!
All the best
Brian Clews