A new visitor to the garden

Despite having pets, 3 cats and 1 dog, my garden is rarely empty of birds in the daylight hours.  Regulars will know that I encourage birds to visit the garden with a variety of feed and feeders.  The bird count for the RSPB was done last Sunday - like most folks, many of the regulars were no where to be seen and with a few minutes to spare the Robins appeared, so they were added to the running total!  Admittedly, at one point I had in excess of 30 sparrows and toiled to record the exact numbers.

All my cats wear bells on their collars - it is an early warning system for the birds and works effectively.  Something I would encourage all cat owners to consider if their cats are to go outdoors.  I find it reduces the amount of 'presents' the cats bring home.  On the occasion when the cats loose their collars (quick release) I tend to find a few dead creatures - it's usually at this point I notice their collars are missing.  I do however always have a few as back ups and they are never without their collars for long.  I just wish I could train them to bring them home with them - I've lost count of how many I've had to replace!  I am pleased to say that the dog does not bother any visitor to the garden unless they bring him a biscuit treat!

Kooki in the bird table

One of my cats, Kooki, is not the greatest of hunters and will very rarely been seen doing much more than observing the numerous birds on the feeders.  Whilst is was tidying up in the kitchen, I noticed he seemed to be frozen to the spot on top of some trellis - I whistled on him (they are trained to come to a specific whistle) but he dared not move.  Walking towards the door to see what was going on - I suddenly spied what had him in a tizzy.......  

Female sparrow hawk
(Accipiter nisus)

I had only ever noticed this bird in the vicinity of my garden once before - watching from up high on a neighbours roof.  She was tucked in amongst the undergrowth.  Off I ran to fetch the camera.  You know how it goes, the camera is never at hand when you need it. Just in time I returned, then out she jumped, prey (starling) obviously dead by this point, ready for take off.  With in a split second - she was gone, those bright yellow claws clasping the prey tight!  I was extremely lucky just to get this shot.

My apologies if you are squeamish - I do not mean to cause upset.  Mother nature is a wonderful thing and whilst we can all enjoy the pretty little birds that visit our gardens, we should also be aware that other birds/wildlife need to survive.  At this time of year, food is particularly scarce.  

Although I live in a city called Edinburgh, Scotland - my home is in a rural area right on the outskirts, we are surrounded by fields, woods and a river.  We have a plenty of prey in the vicinity for hawks, owls and the likes, so I suppose it was only a matter of time before something like this ventures into the garden for easy pickings.  Apparently she has been seen every morning since, perched on my shed roof or thereabouts (I work nights and am never up in the AM!) this week.  I wonder, will the owls we hear at night ever appear?

This sparrow hawk is the first 'first of 2013' - I wonder what else will visit?  Have you had any firsts so far in 2013?

Sparrowhawks are small birds of prey. They're adapted for hunting birds in confined spaces like dense woodland, so gardens are ideal hunting grounds for them. Adult male sparrowhawks have bluish-grey back and wings and orangey-brown bars on their chest and belly. Females and young birds have brown back and wings, and brown bars underneath. Sparrowhawks have bright yellow or orangey eyes, long, yellow legs and long talons. Females are larger than males, as with most birds of prey.

If you would like more information on the Sparrowhawk - please visit the RSPB website.