According to the RSPB, sparrowhawk numbers plummeted in the 1950s and 60s, largely as a result of organochloride pesticides. These chemicals built up in the food chain and resulted in the shells of sparrowhawk eggs becoming very thin and prone to breaking during incubation. When these pesticides were banned, sparrowhawk numbers recovered. However, between 1995 and 2023, sparrowhawks declined by 25% and they now feature on the Birds of Conservation Concern Amber List.
This (female?) sparrowhawk has been an occasional visitor to the garden, but usually stealthily and fleetingly. This time, the bird sat at the foot of the bird feeders and, for a few minutes, seemed perfectly comfortable. This shot was taken through a window (any attempt to open it would have spooked the bird) so is not perhaps as sharp as it might have been. Nevertheless, I'm so pleased to have captured a shot of such a beautiful bird.
Canon 5d Mk III, Canon 400m IS USM prime lens, f/5.6, 1/320th sec, ISO 1000
