Waxwing

Waxwing
"To see a world in a grain of sand,
And a heaven in a wild flower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand
And eternity in an hour."

From "Auguries of Innocence"

by William Blake

Saturday 21 August 2010

Sparrowhawk Attack

I was engaged in the mind numbing and boring task of cleaning the cooker this morning when I glanced out of the kitchen window to see a female sparrowhawk stealthily and speedily approaching the bird feeders from the top of the garden. As she reached the feeding station she almost seemed to hover for a second as her outstretched feet and claws made contact with an empty space where milliseconds earlier a bird had been feeding. She made a circuit of the feeders and then perched on the roof of next door's extension surveying the scene of her near miss. It all happened so quickly I am not sure what species had such a narrow escape. It was amusing to see a wood pigeon, rather stupidly I thought, still feeding on the grass under the feeders.

A magical moment which illustrates one of the things I love about birds, or any other aspect of natural history, whatever you are doing or wherever you are, something exciting or unusual can suddenly occur.

3 comments:

The Quacks of Life said...

its amazing to watch wildlife even in 'mundane' moments

Tricia Ryder said...

I think being able to watch wildlife from your own garden is an essential way of life! Never more so than as a distraction from "cleaning the cooker" you're a brave lady ;)(makes note to self - put it further down the "to do" list!)

Ragged Robin said...

Pete - yes, you are right. Any encounter is special.

Tricia - LOL. Glad I am not the only one to loathe housework!