Sparrowhawks

 This handsome chap made a flying visit the other day. He may be the adult version of the one at left who visited over the last few months, and it would have helped to be able to see a ring on his leg. This is the first time I have seen a black sparrowhawk with these markings, as those that breed in the area are usually of the melanistic variety and have fewer white feathers.

Here we have the redbreasted sparrowhawk which is a little smaller, and tends to go for locusts rather than doves! Not as frequent a visitor as the black sparrowhawk. The dove on the next branch didn't seem bothered.

Here we have another juvenile black sparrowhawk looking a bit moulty (sic). I would say there are about three that visit regularly to prey on the doves here and doubtless I will keep on taking photos in the hope that I catch one on the wing!