I sett up a feeding station a few weeks ago, and it has gathered a pretty insane amount of birds by now. Sadly though, it's only been 4-5 species of birds, all of em boring. Until this week when I have seen a sparrowhawk twice. Last night when I was looking out the window, it came flying true the air, grabbed a bird, landed on a blinds in the garden to check it's grab on the poor bird, then where off again. I would just LOVE to get him on film, but since he seems to be swooping down and carry he pray away, I cant see myself getting enough time to actually catch him in the act. Does anyone here have any advice on how I can pressuade him into spending a few mins in my garden? Would any kind of bait work, like pices of chicken or raw meat? Anyone here have any advice on topic, got to admit im not comming up with any good ideas.
Posted by chickadee on November 13, 2006 at 9:29 AM
I would have thought the feeders with cages around would be effective as they allow protection for the "boring" birds and the sparrowhawk can see they so it stays !?
Posted by Chuck Beatty on November 13, 2006 at 9:50 AM
Hi Bjorn,
I would advise against baiting the sparrowhawk with meat or chicken for any number of reasons, all to do with the health of the bird.
I'm not sure where you live, but in the US these birds are migrating to warmer climes--in fact most have already passed through the northern tier of states and are well on their way south.
The chances of capturing a hunting sparrowhawk on film are pretty slim--they are sooooo fast. Your best bet is to find the place where it carries it's kill (called a plucking post) to feed. (Look for lots of feathers on the ground and set up a blind nearby.) You're more likely to grab a good image when the bird is reasonably still.
Keep feeding your garden birds. Having already made a kill, the sparrowhawk will keep checking back through your garden and will probably make more kills - some of those it will pluck and eat in the garden. Take your chance then to photograph it. If it does make more kills, be carefull not to scare it away in your excitement as it will make it more wary on future kills. Having said that, Sparrowhawks will also return to their kill if they are disturbed - they don't give up easily!
As to baiting, the garden birds will be the best, and most healthy, bait .
If you have a lot of trees or overhanging bushes that overlook your garden, then keep a look out on the branches - Sparrowhawks will often wait on before going in for the attack.
Posted by Jeff Hanna on November 16, 2006 at 7:48 AM
Discussion
4 repliesI would advise against baiting the sparrowhawk with meat or chicken for any number of reasons, all to do with the health of the bird.
I'm not sure where you live, but in the US these birds are migrating to warmer climes--in fact most have already passed through the northern tier of states and are well on their way south.
The chances of capturing a hunting sparrowhawk on film are pretty slim--they are sooooo fast. Your best bet is to find the place where it carries it's kill (called a plucking post) to feed. (Look for lots of feathers on the ground and set up a blind nearby.) You're more likely to grab a good image when the bird is reasonably still.
Good luck!
Keep feeding your garden birds. Having already made a kill, the sparrowhawk will keep checking back through your garden and will probably make more kills - some of those it will pluck and eat in the garden. Take your chance then to photograph it. If it does make more kills, be carefull not to scare it away in your excitement as it will make it more wary on future kills. Having said that, Sparrowhawks will also return to their kill if they are disturbed - they don't give up easily!
As to baiting, the garden birds will be the best, and most healthy, bait
If you have a lot of trees or overhanging bushes that overlook your garden, then keep a look out on the branches - Sparrowhawks will often wait on before going in for the attack.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/tayside_and_central/6147042.stm