Sparrowhawk.

[Penny]

Had a shock this morning. Looking out there was a S/H pulling a rook to pieces, It stood on the poor bird and just pulled pieces off flesh and bones until all that is left is a ring of feathers. Since then, I have not seen a sign of my usual crowd.

To top the morning off, just heard from my son. DIL was rushed to hospital with appendix condition. Am now waiting results from him plus return of my birds. What a start to the weekend. Fingers crossed for no more bad news today.

Cheers Penny

[laurie53]

Rook's a bit big for a Sparrowhawk normally. I wonder if it was already weak or injured.

Your locals will keep a low profile until it moves on to pastures new!

Hope all goes well with dil.

[Penny]

Quite right Laurie, Previous day we had such heavy rain and one rook was soaking and just walked up and down to me for food. Didn't occur to me it could also have been injured, leading to this Sparrowhawk business.

Thanks Laurie

[laurie53]

Probably cast out by a local rook "parliament".

They can be quite ruthless, even inflicting death on an outcast rook.

Normally more than a match for any Sparrowhawk trying to predate them, or even bigger predators. I have seen them drive a fox off.